Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day
Children’s Mental Health Day is May 8, 2025. For nearly 20 years, SAMHSA has recognized Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day to bring attention to the mental health needs of children and young people.
Children and young people in this country are experiencing an unprecedented mental health crisis; there has been a continued rise in the number diagnosed with anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions. An estimated one in five youth has a diagnosable mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder – yet many do not receive the help they need. And these mental health challenges can significantly impact their ability to learn and develop.
SAMHSA’s youth programs are focused on promoting wellness and the prevention, treatment, and recovery of mental health and substance use from early childhood to young adulthood.
Social Media Toolkit
Post Copy - All Platforms: Today is National #ChildrensMentalHealthAwarenessDay! For nearly 20 years, SAMHSA has recognized Children’s Mental Health Day to bring attention to the mental health needs of children and young people. Learn more: samhsa.gov/observances/national-childrens-mental-health-awareness-day
Post Copy - All Platforms: Today is National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day. This is a special day for all of us to recognize that our children’s mental health matters! samhsa.gov/observances/national-childrens-mental-health-awareness-day
Post Copy - All Platforms: #ChildrensMentalHealthAwarenessDay: Positive mental health is essential for kids—it means reaching milestones, learning healthy social skills & coping when there are problems. Let's bring awareness about the needs of children's mental health! samhsa.gov/observances/national-childrens-mental-health-awareness-day #AwarenessDay
Alt-text: Kids hands in colorful paint. Text reads “Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day”
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Children's Mental Health Awareness Day Graphic (PNG | 774 KB)
Post Copy - All Platforms: #ChildrensMentalHealthAwarenessDay: Positive mental health is essential for kids—it means reaching milestones, learning healthy social skills & coping when there are problems. Let's bring awareness about the needs of children's mental health! samhsa.gov/observances/national-childrens-mental-health-awareness-day #AwarenessDay
When a child is experiencing mental health challenges it impacts their family as well. Help is available. Visit samhsa.gov/find-help for free, confidential support 24/7. If a young person in your life is going through a tough time, remind them that there’s always help and hope. #NCMHAD #988Lifeline #AwarenessDay
Alt-text: Kids hands in colorful paint. Text reads “You’re not alone. Help is available” with a list of helplines: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call 988 (LGBTQI+ Youth press 3) Text 988 (LGBTQI+ Youth text "pride") Chat 988Lifeline.org; SAMHSA’s National Helpline 1800662HELP (4357); Disaster Distress Helpline 18009855990 Veterans Crisis Line Dial 988 press 1; Findtreatment.gov; Findsupport.gov
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Post Copy - All Platforms: #ChildrensMentalHealthAwarenessDay: It can be tough to tell if troubling behavior in a child is just a part of growing up or a problem that should be discussed with a health professional. Be aware of the warning signs of distress: samhsa.gov/mental-health/how-to-talk/parents-and-caregivers #AwarenessDay
Alt-text: Kids hands in colorful paint. Text reads “For Parents and Caregivers of Children” Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day
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For Parents and Caregivers of Children Graphic (PNG | 544 KB)
Programs and Initiatives Supporting Children and Youth
SAMHSA initiatives aimed at improving children’s mental health include: