Each year, four million children and adolescents in the United States of America suffer from some type of serious mental disorder. Even though these conditions often cause significant impairments at home and at school, only 20 percent of these individuals are actually diagnosed and treated.
Education and awareness are critical elements for identifying children who need mental health services. Establishing and supporting an annual Mental Health Awareness Week for the nation’s public schools would help significantly in this effort. Involving students, parents, and faculties with a week-long discourse in children and youth-related mental health issues would also help to reduce stigma and normalize the need for proactive mental health activities.