‘Heroes of Hope’: Learn More About Children’s Mental Health

By Robyn Mincher, DCoE Strategic Communications

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) is paying tribute to children with their annual National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day May 9. Themed “Heroes of Hope,” the day promotes support and progress of children’s mental health, and includes an exhibit featuring artwork from students and an evening program at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. The event also complements activities occurring across the country to support the mental health needs of children.

 Since 1994, SAMSHA’s “Caring for Every Child’s Mental Health” effort has increased public awareness around children’s mental health issues. And this year’s theme not only recognizes children and youth who have demonstrated resilience after traumatic events, but also heroes of hope — caring adults who helped them enhance their resilience. In support of children’s mental health, SAMSHA is highlighting resources, tools and activities to help children cope and gain resilience as they navigate through challenges.

SAMSHA offers trauma resources for parents and caregivers to help them connect and communicate with young children coping with trauma. The organization also offers resources from collaborating organizations, such as the Child Mind Institute “Speak Up For Kids” program and stopbullying.gov.

Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE) offers related resources for families, including the Children of Military Service Members Resource Guide, a tool to assist parents, family members and health care providers address the mental and emotional health needs of military children. Sesame Workshop, a DCoE partner, created a new website, familiesnearandfar.org, to help military families create, communicate and stay connected through the transitions of military life. MilitaryKidsConnect.org, from the National Center for Telehealth and Technology, unites children, tweens and teens with their deployed loved ones and other military kids online.

Want to help raise awareness for children’s mental health? Take part in community events in your area. And if you can’t attend SAMSHA’s Heroes of Hope program in person, watch the live webcast on samhsa.gov/children, scheduled today from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. (EDT).

During Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week (May 6–12), you can use social media to share facts surrounding children’s mental health with SAMSHA’s pre-drafted social media messages. And check out more positive social media messaging about psychological health for the military community by becoming a fan of the DCoE Facebook page, and following us on Twitter.