Look around at the children in your life. The ones you know and love, who are a part of your family and your life. Ever consider that one of them struggles with mental health issues?

It’s a real possibility. In fact, statistics show that mental health challenges affect almost all American families. The good thing is that most of these kids heal from them and continue on to lead productive lives. Their challenges don’t stop them from getting jobs and raising families, a common misperception people have of kids with mental illness. It’s time to stop the stigma and get the facts about mental health. Scroll down to learn more, including how you can help #STOPTHESTIGMA in your school and community. A little understanding can drastically change a child’s life.

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Did you know?

Did you know that statistics from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reveal that 1 in 5 children are affected by a seriously debilitating mental illness, which can present incredible difficulties for the child and family, particularly if the illness is not diagnosed and treated.

But studies also show that most kids with mental illnesses get better and many recover completely. One major barrier to this is stigma—the aura of shame and blame that surrounds mental health illness.

Warning signs of mental illness

4 things parents and caregivers can do

1

Talk with your pediatrician

2

See a professional mental health specialist

3

Work with your school

4

Connect with other families

We need you. The children need you. Please use any of the tools below to help #STOPTHESTIGMA.

We pledge to #STOPTHESTIGMA. Help us.

The Children’s Center’s new year-long initiative #STOPTHESTIGMA aims to break the silence associated with children’s mental health. #STOPTHESTIGMA promotes mental health awareness and encourages people to talk openly about mental illness without negative misconceptions.

You can help. We’ve created a #STOPTHESTIGMA pledge sheet that you can take that shows your commitment to addressing stigma and encouraging people to seek support for their family or friends who are struggling with mental illness.

Help us by printing out the pledge sheet, taking a selfie with it, and posting it to your social media networks.

#STOPTHESTIGMA. Spread the word.

Shame. Blame. Fear. Embarrassment. They’re all words that have been associated with mental health challenges in kids. These same words have prevented thousands of kids and families from getting the treatment they so desperately need.

Our #STOPTHESTIGMA campaign encourages people to talk openly about mental illness. To get help when they need it. To use words that end negative misconceptions about treatment. You see, most kids recover from mental health challenges and go on to lead full, productive lives. How about spreading those words?

Use the tools below to spread the word about #STOPTHESTIGMA in your family, friends, school, office, social networks and community.

#STOPTHESTIGMA Facebook Cover Photo

Help us by making this image your Facebook cover photo. A little understanding by people like you can drastically change a child’s life.

#STOPTHESTIGMA Social Media Images

Use any of the images below to help spread the word in your social media networks. Please include both of these hashtags in your posts: #STOPTHESTIGMA and #mhTCC.

#STOPTHESTIGMA Poster & Flyer

Download, print and hang campaign posters – or hand out flyers – in your office, school and local business community to help #STOPTHESTIGMA.

Take the pledge to help #STOPTHESTIGMA

Your support makes a difference

The average delay between onset of symptoms and intervention is 8-10 years. Getting help early can drastically change a child’s life. Your financial support makes a difference. It helps keep our services free and available so the children and families we serve can get the care they so desperately need.

Help us spread the word.

Data & Statistics Source: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).