Mental health is an important part of overall health and well-being. Being mentally healthy in childhood means reaching developmental and emotional milestones, and learning healthy social skills and how to cope and stay resilient when there are problems. Children’s mental health is strengthened by supportive relationships and environments and can be put at risk by stress and negative experiences. Social determinants of health, meaning the conditions in the places where children live, learn, and play, can add stress and have a negative effect on mental health.

Struggling with emotions and behavior is a normal part of growing up, and mental health can get better or worse over time. For some children, challenges with mental health can mean having symptoms and risk behaviors that persist or are severe enough to meet criteria for diagnosed disorders.

What You Can Do

• Parents: You know your child best. Talk to your child’s health care professional if you have concerns about the way your child behaves at home, in school, or with friends.

• Health care professionals: Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment based on updated guidelines is very important. There are resources available to help diagnose and treat children’s mental disorders.

• Teachers/School Administrators: Early identification is important, so that children can get the help they need. Work with families and health care professionals if you have concerns about the mental health of a child in your school.