May 8 is National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month. This is a great time to take steps to make a difference on behalf of children's mental health.

"It's easier for parents, teachers, and caregivers to identify a child's physical needs, like eating balanced meals or having adequate clothing, sufficient rest, or physical activity," says Richard Kellogg, director of the Mental Health Division for the State Department of Social and Health Services.

"A child's mental and emotional needs are not as obvious. However, good mental health allows children to think clearly, develop socially, learn new skills, build self-esteem, and develop a positive mental outlook and self image."

These are the basics for a child's good mental health:

• Give children unconditional love. Children need to know that your love does not depend on their accomplishments.
• Nurture children's confidence and self-esteem. Praise and encourage them. Set realistic goals for them. Be honest about your mistakes. Avoid sarcasm.
• Encourage children to play. Play time is as important to a child's development as food. Play helps children be creative, develop problem-solving skills and self-control, and learn how to get along with others. Playing with peers is a good first step in learning socialization and problem solving skills, especially with parental guidance and support when needed.
• Enroll children in an after-school activity, especially if they are otherwise home alone after school. This is a great way for kids to stay productive, learn something new, gain self-esteem, and have something to look forward to during the week. Or check in on children after school if they are home alone. Children need to know that even if you're not there physically, you're thinking about them, and interested in how they spent their day and how they’ll spend the rest of it.
• Provide a safe and secure environment. Fear can be very real for a child. Try to find out what is frightening him or her. Be loving, patient and reassuring, not critical.
• Give appropriate guidance and discipline when necessary. Be firm, but kind and realistic with your expectations. The goal is not to control the child, but to help him or her learn self-control.
• Communicate. Make time each day to listen to your children and talk with them about what is happening in their lives. Share emotions and feelings with your children.
• Get help. If you're concerned about your child's mental or emotional health, consult with teachers, a guidance counselor, or another adult who may have information about his or her behavior. If you think there is a problem, seek professional help right away.

For help finding treatment, support groups, medication information or help paying for your medications and other mental health-related services in your community, more information can be found at http://www.dshs.wa.gov/mentalhealth.

If you or someone you know is in crisis now, seek help immediately. Call 1-800-273-8255 to reach a 24-hour crisis center or dial 911 for immediate assistance.

The mission of the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is to improve the quality of life for individuals and families in need. We will help people achieve safe, self-sufficient, healthy and secure lives.