As we enter Mental Health Awareness Month this May, we are called to reflect on the importance of mental wellness and the impact of trauma on children’s lives. Unfortunately, child abuse and neglect are harsh realities that affect far too many young people, leading to long-term mental health consequences such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. These long-lasting effects on a child’s mental health can be prevented with access to the right resources and support.
Let’s raise awareness about the impact of childhood adversity on mental health and connect families across the country with resources like counseling, therapy, and support groups they need to build resilience, cope with trauma, and thrive.
In our 2024 Mental Health curated resources, you will learn about mental health and wellness, and you’ll find resources to help you navigate difficult situations. Our goal is to empower you to take action to improve your health and the health of your community.
As we celebrate mental health this year, let’s work together to prevent child abuse, support those who have experienced adversity and connect them with the support they need. When a parent or caregiver has positive mental health, they are better equipped to handle stress, be more productive, and realize their full potential.
If you or a loved one is showing signs of mental illness, it’s important to get help or seek early treatment. Healing is possible!
2024 Mental Health Awareness Resources:
- APA: The Legacy of Trauma
- Black Girls Smile: Mental Wellness Toolkit
- Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation: Mental Health Provider Directory
- Child Mind Institute | Transforming Children’s Lives
- Crisis Text Line | Text HOME to 741741 Free, 24/7 Mental Health Support
- Home | AFSP
- Kids, Teens and Young Adults | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness
- LGBTQ+ Mental Health Resources | The Trevor Project
- Mental Health Awareness Month | The Jed Foundation
- Mental Illness and the Family: Recognizing Warning Signs and How to Cope | Mental Health America (mhanational.org)
- NAMI: Mental Health Resources for Black Americans
- National Council For Mental Wellbeing: Black Mental Health Matters: A Resource Guide
- The Mental Health Coalition: How to Support & Advocate for Black Mental Health
- Where to Start 2024 MHA May Toolkit (mhanational.org)
- Who Are Opportunity Youth? – The Annie E. Casey Foundation (aecf.org)
- A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding & Addressing Mental Health Challenges in Children & Adolescents – MentalHealth.com
Youth Mental Health
- Supporting youth mental health should include assessments that consider the youth’s culture, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and special needs. These resources can help you find strategies to support the mental health needs of youth. #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth
Social Determinants of Health
- Health isn’t just about medical care. It’s influenced by where we live, work, and grow. Discover how social determinants of health shape child and family well-being outcomes and what we can do to create more equitable opportunities for all.