Today is World Mental Health Day

Today, Wednesday, October 10, has been designated World Mental Health Day by the World Health Organization. Its focus this year is “Young People and Mental Health in a Changing World.”
Glen Ellyn Youth and Family Counseling Service (www.geyfcs.org), an organization where I am a board member, has been promoting the mental health and well-being of youth, families, and the larger Glen Ellyn community through professional counseling and community based support and education for over 30 years.
The Center for Disease Control estimates that as many as 1 out of 5 children experience mental health issues in any given year. Teen suicide rates are up at an alarming rate. Now, more than ever, it is important to recognize the role we all play in making sure that community mental health needs are addressed and addressed early, as soon as we start seeing those needs arise, even in young children. According to National Institute of Mental Health (www.nimh.nih.gov): “In general, if a child’s behavior persists for a few weeks or longer, causes distress for the child or the child’s family, and interferes with functioning at school, at home, or with friends, then consider seeking help. If a child’s behavior is unsafe, or if a child talks about wanting to hurt him or herself or someone else, then seek help immediately.”
GEYFCS is a resource for children and families who reside or attend schools in Glen Ellyn. GEYFCS counseling services are based on a sliding scale fee. There is no charge for the initial screening. No one is ever denied services based on an inability to pay.
Prevention begins with awareness and understanding. We owe it to our children to talk openly and honestly about mental health, to take care of ours, and to help them take care of theirs.