May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to remember that mental health is not a luxury, but a necessity. Millions of children and adults face anxiety, depression, stress, and trauma. Sadly, too many do not get the help they need. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2022) reports that 1 in 5 children in the U.S. has a mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder, and may go without support.
This month is not only about raising awareness; it’s about taking action. It’s about recognizing the importance of early intervention, compassion, and community programs that teach families, teachers, and caregivers how to help children grow resilient and mentally healthy.
One organization leading this work is ChildBuilders.
What ChildBuilders Does
Since 1974, ChildBuilders has worked to improve children’s mental health by giving parents, teachers, and other caregivers tools to model and teach
- assertiveness,
- emotional control,
- empathy,
- resilience, and
- non-violent conflict resolution.
ChildBuilders believes it is better to help children grow strong than to fix problems when they are adults. Through classroom-based programs, training for teachers, and parenting resources, ChildBuilders is helping to prevent abuse and promote mental health across generations. Last year, ChildBuilders reached almost 44,000 children and adults across the greater Houston region with their empowering message.
Why This Work Matters
Mental health starts in childhood. When children learn to understand feelings (both their own and others’), solve problems, and ask for help, they are far more likely to grow into resilient adults. When schools and families create safe spaces where children are respected and nurtured, we can prevent emotional harm before it starts.
Studies show that social-emotional learning (SEL) helps children improve mental health and behavior while also increasing academic success (Durlak et al., 2011). That’s why ChildBuilders’ programs—like Stand Strong • Stay Safe, Build to Nurture, and Parents Under Construction—are so essential.
These programs teach children to:
- Recognize and name their feelings
- Set healthy boundaries
- Tell the difference between safe and unsafe behavior
- Develop healthy relationships
- Get help when something doesn’t feel right
And just as importantly, they teach parents and educators how to spot signs of anxiety, depression, trauma, or abuse and how to respond with compassion—not judgment.
How You Can Help
Mental Health Awareness Month is for everyone. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, employer, faith leader, or neighbor, you can help shape a culture where emotional well-being is supported.
Here’s how to start:
1. Talk About Feelings Often
Talk to children in your life about feelings, friendships, and how to ask for help. Use everyday moments—like car rides, meals, or bedtime—to ask questions like, “What made you feel happy or worried today?”
2. Support Programs That Build Resilience
Support organizations like ChildBuilders that are providing training and tools to parents, teachers, and children. By donating and spreading the word, you can help expand their reach.
3. Learn Warning Signs
Changes in behavior—like pulling away, acting out, trouble sleeping, or sudden fears—can be signs of a mental health concern. Learn what to look for, and do not hesitate to seek help. ChildBuilders offers webinars and workshops to guide you.
- View pre-recorded webinars.
- Book a workshop for your organization or group.
4. Model Mental Wellness
Let children see you care for your own mental health. Talk about your feelings. Take breaks when needed. Show that it is okay to be vulnerable.
5. Get Involved with ChildBuilders
You can help by:
- Volunteering as a program presenter or event organizer
- Encouraging your workplace to host a parenting series
- Bringing ChildBuilders’ programs to your school or community
Final Thoughts
Mental health is not something we can ignore—not for our children, our families, or our future. This month, let’s move beyond awareness and take action. Let’s invest in the emotional well-being of the next generation.
Let’s build stronger children so we don’t have to repair broken adults.
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References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Mental Health of Children – Data and Statistics.
- Durlak, J. A., Weissberg, R. P., Dymnicki, A. B., Taylor, R. D., & Schellinger, K. B. (2011). The impact of enhancing students’ social and emotional learning: A meta‐analysis of school‐based universal interventions. Child Development, 82(1), 405–432.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2023). Mental Health By the Numbers.
