National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day champions the well-being of young minds every 1st Thursday of May. This vital day raises awareness for the one in six children experiencing mental or behavioral disorders, encouraging early diagnosis and treatment. Join the movement by advocating for resources, supporting families, and fostering open conversations about mental health.
History of National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day
During the middle ages, mental health conditions were not properly diagnosed or treated. Religious authorities considered people with mental diseases possessed.
Now that we have developed a better understanding of mental conditions, we neither stigmatize mental illness nor go confining mentally ill people. In the fifth century B.C., Hippocrates contributed to this change. He tried to change the occupation and environment of the ill person and sometimes used certain substances as medicine.
In 1909, Clifford Beers founded Mental Health America (M.H.A.). The organization sponsored research efforts to develop a better understanding of conditions. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (S.A.M.H.S.A.) hosted the first National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day in 2005.
National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day timeline
Clifford Beers starts the National Committee for Mental Hygiene in the U.S.
Harry Truman signs the National Mental Health Act.
Congress passes the Mental Retardation Facilities and Community Health Centers Construction Act for the development of community-based mental health services.
The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill supports educating and caring for people with serious psychiatric conditions.
National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day FAQs
What affects a child's mental health?
There are a lot of factors. Genetic conditions, neglect, domestic violence, substance abuse, parental mental health, etc.
What is mental health?
Mental health can be defined as a balance of emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It can affect our thoughts, feelings, and behavior.
Why is being mentally healthy important?
To enjoy life. To create a positive impact on the people around you. To respond well to any circumstances that could happen in life.
How to Observe National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day
Help a child
Help a child who suffers from mental health problems. Let him know that you are there to help and that he is not alone.
Create mental health check campaigns
There are mental health conditions like A.D.H.D. and anxiety which children usually will not be aware of. Conduct a mental health check campaign to help people realize their status.
Donate
There are a lot of N.G.O.s working for the welfare of children and their mental health. Arrange a fundraiser to help support these N.G.O.s and their activities.
5 Facts About Children's Mental Health You Should Know
A.D.H.D.
Around 9.8% of children in the U.S. suffer from A.D.H.D.
Depression
There are approximately 2.7 million depressed children in the U.S.
Treatment
Only eight in ten children receive treatment for depression.
On the rise
Anxiety and depression in children increased from 5.4% to 8.4% in 10 years.
Visible by 14
50% of mental health problems are visible by the age of 14.
Why National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day is Important
It’s a day for children
There is no greater cause than helping a child and saving them from suffering alone. This can protect them from living with any long-lasting crippling mental conditions.
It spreads mental health awareness
A mental health check is important for everyone, not just children. Some conditions can ruin the quality of life if not treated early. A mental health check could be life-changing.
It leads to widespread improvement
By celebrating this day, we are effectively raising awareness to make more people undergo treatment. The general support for children will also increase.
National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | May 7 | Thursday |
| 2027 | May 6 | Thursday |
| 2028 | May 11 | Thursday |
| 2029 | May 10 | Thursday |
| 2030 | May 9 | Thursday |
Holidays Straight to Your Inbox
Every day is a holiday!
Receive fresh holidays directly
to your inbox.