National Mental Health Month starts in May, and a special week is dedicated to National Children Mental Health Awareness Week, May 1-7.

It is important for communities to gain awareness about mental health conditions that the youth experience. Fortunately, the negative stigma about mental health has reduced but still has a negative impact on our communities. As a community, if we approach mental health in a positive manner, more than likely the person who is affected will seek treatment.

Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood, adolescence through adulthood. Many factors contribute to mental health problems, including life trauma, history of abuse, poor living conditions, family history, or chemical imbalances in the brain. Overall, health includes a well-balanced and nutritious diet, regular exercise, stress, and regular time relaxation with family and friends.

However, more treatment measures may be needed if your child is not coping with life stressors such as maladjustment to attending school, managing homework, or balancing home life situations.

Early screening and treatment are key to success! At Pediatric Heroes we help to identify mental health disorders, provide conservative treatment, and refer to a mental health specialist who can help provide coping measures. It’s highly recommended to seek help as early as possible with a pediatric primary care provider to get treatment.

The observance of the month is an indication of the importance of mental health. It means many more things:

· The stigma around mental health issues is gradually fading away

· Mental health problems are now getting the attention they deserve

· People with mental health problems, their families, and healthcare providers feel they can discuss the topic more openly without any limitations or reservations

However, there is still so much more room for work. The events surrounding the special awareness month focus on expelling myths, educating people, and showing support for the people who have been affected by the conditions.

Mental health has a crucial role to play in a person’s overall well-being and health. Preventative measures can help and it is important to make people aware that treatment measures are effective and their loved ones can recover from mental issues and lead a productive and full life.

The importance of maintaining mental health can be realized from the fact that it is a state that enables the successful performance of both mental and physical functions. A healthy mental condition can result in:

· Productive activities

· Ability to adapt to changes

· Ability to deal with challenges

· Building fulfilling relationships

Mental health has a big impact on the effectiveness and success of one’s personal well-being, interpersonal and family relationships, and the ability to participate in society or community. Mental and physical health are closely related.

Your mental health has an important role to play in your ability to maintain your physical health. Illnesses such as anxiety and depression can affect your ability to participate in health-promotional behaviors. On the other hand, physical health problems such as chronic diseases can also have an impact on your mental health. They can affect your ability to engage in treatment.

If you or someone you care about is feeling alone, hopeless, or is in crisis, call or chat with caring counselors at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or (http://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ GetHelp/LifelineChat2.aspx)

To know the importance of National Mental Health Awareness Month call us at (210) 625-5708