(BPT) - Mental Health Awareness Month, recognized each May, is a reminder that mental health deserves the same attention as physical health, especially for children and teens.
For many parents and caregivers, concerns often start with small changes. A child who once loved school may begin refusing to go. A normally social teen may withdraw from friends. Headaches or stomachaches may start appearing with no clear medical cause.
It can be hard to know what is part of growing up and what might be something more.
That uncertainty has become more common as youth mental health concerns continue to rise across the United States.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 40% of high school students report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, and nearly 1 in 5 say they have seriously considered attempting suicide. At the same time, organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics have declared a national emergency in child and adolescent mental health.
About 1 in 5 children in the U.S. has been diagnosed with a mental, emotional or behavioral health condition, yet only about half receive treatment. Suicide is now the second leading cause of death among young people.
This is showing up in everyday moments at home, often well before families reach a crisis point.
"Mental Health Awareness Month is an important moment to pause and check in on how kids are really doing," said Dr. Monika Roots, child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist and co-founder of Bend Health. "But awareness alone isn't enough. Many families still struggle to access support until things feel urgent. We need to make it easier to recognize early signs and get help sooner, and that has to happen year-round."
So what should parents actually be paying attention to?
Clinicians say early signs often show up in everyday ways:
1. Changes in behavior or mood
A child who was once engaged may start withdrawing from friends or activities. Others may seem more irritable, anxious or overwhelmed than usual.
2. Shifts in sleep, appetite or physical health
Trouble sleeping, eating more or less than usual, or frequent headaches or stomachaches can be signs of underlying stress.
3. Changes at school or in daily functioning
A drop in grades, difficulty concentrating or reluctance to go to school can signal something deeper going on.
These signs don't always mean something serious, but they are worth paying attention to.
Parents and caregivers are often the first to notice these shifts, but they don't have to figure it out on their own. Pediatricians, teachers and school counselors can help make sense of what is happening and guide families toward next steps.
In many cases, early screening helps clarify what's going on and what kind of support could make a difference. If changes persist, worsen or start to affect daily life, it may be time to seek additional support.
Some children benefit from skills-based coaching or short-term therapy focused on building coping strategies. Others may need more comprehensive support, including therapy, psychiatry or coordinated care across providers. The right approach depends on the child, their symptoms and their environment.
Providers like Bend Health work with families to assess these needs and connect children to appropriate care, ranging from coaching and therapy to psychiatry and more integrated support when needed.
"Awareness should be a starting point, not the only time we focus on mental health," Dr. Roots said. "Kids do better when support is accessible early and consistently, not just when things become urgent."
For families, the first step is often simple but not always easy: trusting your instincts. If something about a child's behavior or emotional well-being feels different, starting a conversation with a trusted adult or healthcare provider can help clarify what to do next.
Early support can make a meaningful difference, helping children build resilience and navigate challenges before they become more serious.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.bendhealth.com.
