UnicefUSA

Childhood is the time to set the stage for promoting lifelong mental health and well-being. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re dispelling myths to give you the facts so we can support children to thrive and flourish throughout their lives.

MYTH#1: Most mental health conditions don’t materialize until later in life. FACT#1: 50 percent of all mental health conditions start by age 14.

Mental health conditions affect children of all ages but most cases go undetected and untreated. Stigmas and stereotypes also limit how children understand and care for their mental health. It’s estimated that more than 13 percent of adolescents between the ages of 10 and 19 live with a diagnosed mental disorder.

MYTH #2: Support for mental health isn’t a priority in times of crisis. FACT #2: Mental health assistance is just as important as physical relief efforts.

Mental health conditions, such as anxiety, are most likely to arise in times of stress and they can have long-term effects. Alongside nutrition and emergency relief, UNICEF prioritizes mental health during crises. To help children fleeing the war in Ukraine, teams have reached children with care through child-friendly spaces and mental health services at Blue Dot hubs in refugee-hosting countries.

$MYTH #3: Governments are heavily invested in children’s mental health. FACT #3: Only a tiny fraction of government and international development spending is available to address mental health needs.$

Despite growing demand for support, the median government expenditure on mental health globally is just 2.1 percent of overall health spending. Investment in promoting and protecting mental health remains low and it’s leaving children without vital support.

MYTH #4: There are enough policies in place right now to support mental health access. FACT #4: Several bills awaiting Congressional approval can make a real impact.

The Mental Health Services for Students Act, the Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act and the Mental Health in International Development and Humanitarian Settings (MINDS) Act, are all pending bills that can help children. These pieces of legislation have the potential to elevate mental health support for children in the U.S. and around the world.

Knowing more about children’s mental health is critical to advancing efforts to improve care and awareness. Thanks to your generosity UNICEF programs and services are making an impact to help children thrive.

We’ll be in touch soon to share more on how you can help enhance support for children’s mental health. In the meantime, let us know if you learned something today and if there’s more you want to know about this important issue.

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Thank you for your support of children,

UNICEF USA