Children's Mental Health Week
May 2-8, 2004

This week long observance was began in 1997 to promote awareness of Mental Health issues in children and adolescents. It is sponsored by the Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health, a national, family-run organization dedicated to helping children with mental health needs and their families achieve a better quality of life.

Most Mental Health problems in children and adolescents are either biological or environmental. Biological causes could be genetics, chemical imbalances, or damage to the central nervous system.
Environmental factors could include exposure to high levels of lead, being a victim of or witness to violence, such as physical or sexual abuse, extreme stress caused by chronic poverty, witnessing drug abuse, or the loss of a loved one due to divorce,death, or broken relationships.

On May 4th of this week we recognize Childhood Depression Awareness Day. If you were ever depressed as a child or adolescent or are a parent of such a child then you realize what a real and treatable problem childhood depression is. Make an effort on May 4th to share that information with someone who may not be aware. Someone who says "What does a child have to be depressed about?" I am sure you all know someone like that. Go to your child's school and ask their teacher to speak to the students about depression and suicide or to let you speak to them. No one wants to be a parent or teacher who realizes too late that maybe they could have made a difference. It is never too early to begin discussing suicide. Let children know they are not alone in these thoughts and there is help.

There are usually definite signs and symptoms of depression in children and adolescents. They include, but are not limited to, school absences, poor school performance or a disregard for quality of lessons, loss of interest in normal activities, changes in eating or sleeping habits; not eating or eating too much and often sleeping for long periods without feeling rested, aches and pains without physical reasons, substance abuse, withdrawal or change in peer relationships and thoughts about death or suicide. Children are at a greater risk of suffering from depression or other mental disorders if there is a family history of depression, substance abuse, or other mental disorders. Depression in children is a real and serious illness. It should not be disregarded as a "phase that will pass," it is treatable once diagnosed, but it can become worse and lead to suicide if left untreated. Support from family members, peers, teachers and health care providers is important. For this to occur, awareness that Childhood Depression is a real and common illness must take place. Don't let it be disregarded as a phase.

If you are a parent, teacher, coach, or caregiver you should learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of depression. Take the time to learn about other mental disorders, such as bipolar disorder, ADHD, opositional defiant disorder and anxiety disorder. These are all treatable illnesses that affect children. Know where you can go to get the help you need. The yellow pages, mental health hotlines, your health insurance provider, and the internet are a few places to begin. Don't let your fear of the unknown stop you from helping and possibly saving the life of a child. In addition, family members may find it helpful to join a local support group for additional assistance and support. Log on to dbsalliance.org for information on a support group in your area.