Children's Mental Health Week
May 2-8, 2004

About
Incidence
Causes
Childhood Depression
Definition
Numbers affected
Parents and caregivers

What is Children's Mental Health Week?

Children's Mental Health Week is an annual observance designed to increase awareness about children with emotional and behavioral disorders and to educate communities about these disorders and their impact on families. This observance is sponsored by the Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health, a national, family-run organization dedicated to helping children with mental health needs and their families achieve a better quality of life.
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How many children have a mental health disorder?

According to the U.S. Surgeon General, studies show that at least one in five children and adolescents has a mental health disorder. At least one in 10, or about 6 million young people, has a serious emotional disturbance.
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What causes mental health disorders in young people?

Mental health disorders in children and adolescents are caused primarily by biological and environmental factors. Examples of biological causes are genetics, chemical imbalances in the body, or damage to the central nervous system, such as a head injury. Environmental factors that put young people at risk for developing mental health disorders include exposure to toxins, such as high levels of lead, or to violence, such as being a witness or victim of physical or sexual abuse. Other environmental factors include stress related to chronic poverty, discrimination, or other serious hardships, and the loss of important people through death, divorce, or broken relationships.
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What is Childhood Depression Awareness Day?

Childhood Depression Awareness Day is an annual observance celebrated during Children's Mental Health Week to communicate the message that depression and other mental health problems in young people are real, common, and treatable. Established in 1997, the observance is sponsored by the National Mental Health Association. This year's observance takes place on May 4.
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What is childhood depression?

The National Alliance on Mental Illness defines childhood depression as a brain disorder that affects the acts, thoughts, and feelings of children. Signs and symptoms include school absences or poor school performance, loss of interest in normal activities, changes in eating or sleeping habits, aches and pains without physical reasons, substance abuse, and thoughts about death or suicide. While depression in children is a serious illness, it is treatable with early intervention and support from family members and health care providers.
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How many children are affected by depression?

According to the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, recent studies show that one in every 33 children may have depression. A child is at greater risk for developing depression if one parent has depression or the family has a history of depression. A family history of depression also puts a child at greater risk for experiencing subsequent episodes and for developing other mental health disorders, such as anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
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What can parents and other caregivers do about childhood depression and other mental health disorders?

Parents and other caregivers should learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of depression and other mental health disorders in children and know how to locate a mental health professional for an early evaluation and diagnosis. When necessary, they should seek treatment and services that are tailored to the needs of the individual child. In addition, family members may find it helpful to join a local support group for additional assistance and support.
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