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As a child and adolescent psychiatrist, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside families during some of their most vulnerable moments. We tend to view childhood as a carefree time that evolves into stress and anxiety once the pressures of adulthood set in. However, that is not the case. One thing remains clear: mental health is just as important as physical health — and this is especially true for children. Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week is an opportunity to reflect on how we can better support young people and break down the barriers that prevent them from thriving.

Why Early Intervention Matters
Children express emotional struggles differently than adults. A preschooler might show distress through tantrums or sleep disruptions, while a teen might withdraw, lose interest in activities, or struggle with school performance. You may ask yourself “is my child stressed or depressed?” These behaviors aren’t always “just a phase.” They can be signs of anxiety, depression, attention difficulties, trauma, or other concerns that deserve attention.

Early intervention gives children the best chance at success. Just like we wouldn’t delay treatment for a physical illness, we shouldn’t wait to address emotional or behavioral symptoms. Identifying and supporting mental health needs early can prevent more serious challenges later and give kids the tools they need to manage life’s ups and downs.

Building Resilience in the Face of Chronic Stress
Children today face many stressors — from academic pressure to family instability, social media, and sometimes even community or racial trauma. When stress becomes chronic, it can affect a child’s development and emotional well-being. But there’s hope: Resilience can be nurtured.

Resilience doesn’t mean avoiding stress altogether — it’s about helping children adapt, recover, and grow. It’s about building the ability to bounce back more readily after the stressful event.

This includes:

• Creating predictable routines and safe environments.
• Encouraging strong, supportive relationships with caring, trusted adults.
• Teaching coping skills like mindfulness, problem-solving, and emotional expression.
• Allowing space to make mistakes and learn from them.
• Adults appropriately modeling how to handle challenges and show that we all face tough times.

Resilient children are better equipped to handle life’s challenges — and those skills stay with them into adulthood.

Breaking the Stigma Around Mental Health
Unfortunately, stigma still prevents many families from seeking the help their child may need. Mental health is health — period. No child or parent should feel ashamed for asking for support. Seeking therapy or an evaluation is a sign of strength, not weakness - a sign that you are prioritizing the needs of your child and family. Talking openly about emotions, modeling self-care, and encouraging questions about mental health can help normalize these conversations at home, in schools, and in communities.

When to Seek Help
It may be time to reach out to a professional if you notice your child:

• Is consistently sad, irritable, or withdrawn.
• Shows a sudden drop in school performance.
• Has difficulty sleeping, eating, or concentrating.
• Expresses frequent worries, fears, or physical complaints with no medical cause.
• No longer engages in activities they previously enjoyed.
• Talks about feeling hopeless or mentions self-harm or thoughts of dying.

Start with your pediatrician or school counselor. Child psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists can provide thorough evaluations and guide you toward the right treatment options. The earlier we intervene, the better the outcomes.

Every child deserves the chance to grow into a healthy, confident adult. That journey begins with supporting their mental health from the start. During this Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week, let’s work together to promote early intervention, build resilience, fight stigma, and remind families: You are not alone, and help is available.