Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week is observed this year from Sunday, May 3rd and will continue through Saturday May 9th, 2015. This week helps raise awareness around children’s mental health. It is a time to focus on children and youth living with mental illness and to come together to advocate for a full array of effective services and support for children affected by mental illness.
Mental health is essential to overall health and well-being. Signs of mental illness and emotional disorders often manifest early in children and youth. Research has shown that early identification and intervention yields the highest chances of successful, ongoing treatment. About 13% of youth aged 8-15 live with mental illness severe enough to cause significant impairment in their daily functioning. This figure jumps to 21% in youth aged 13-18.
Early detection and recognition of symptoms involves a developmental approach and recovery principles to form a framework for addressing the behavioral health concerns of young people. It is important to recognize that while behavioral health challenges such as mental illness and substance use can be frightening for families, proper treatment can help individuals and their families recover. WestBridge provides ongoing support, including education and employment counseling, and enhanced supportive connections, all while reducing stigma and discrimination to help facilitate long-term treatment and recovery.
WestBridge believes that children and young adults with mental health illness and their families deserve access to resources and supports that encompass a holistic modality of care and services. When there is a clear understanding of the elements of a recovery-oriented system of care for children, parents become an integral source of treatment by feeling inspired, motivated, and empowered with new ideas and resources. Young adults impacted by mental health issues are encouraged to think positive, stay strong and achieve their goals through WestBridge’s supportive treatment programs and resource sharing. WestBridge offers guiding steps for parents to help strengthen their relationships and build a long-term roadmap towards a successful future.
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