Why develop a Mental Health Awareness Campaign?

“We are focusing our parent education, communication and networking efforts on mental health because school counselors, ministers, parents and mental health professionals have asked us to. And then, of course, there are the facts:

• One in five children suffers from some form of mental illness. 10% of children and adolescents suffer from emotional and mental disorders so severe that they have trouble functioning at home and in school.
• Suicide is the third leading cause of death in children 10-14.
• Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people ages 15-24.
• Suicide attempts are made by nearly 64,000 Ohio youth ages 15-19 each year. As a result of the attempt, 24,000 will need medical attention and 151 will die.
• 90% of people who die by suicide suffer from a diagnosable, treatable mental illness.
• Only 20% of children and adolescents with mental disorders are identified and receive mental health services.
• Mental illnesses are a major cause of school failure.
• It can take up to EIGHT years from symptom onset before a child is identified and gets treatment.

To our parenting peers living in this reality, you are not alone. To those who wish to peek into this door, you are not alone. Together, let’s take this educational journey.  A life may depend on it.”
- Dani
Parent to Parent Network - President

More Information Below

Children and Mental Health

Recognizing Mental Health Problems in Children: Article includes a list of indicators that may require professional help.
Fast Facts Re children and mental health: Includes statistics to justify why looking into this topic is so important.

Depression

SafeYouth.org: A link to a list of articles and fact sheets relative to depression in youths.

Suicide Prevention

Responding to a depressed or suicidal student: Step by step information about how to respond in this situation.