As part of Mental Health Awareness Month and National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day in May, many national organizations join together to raise awareness and build understanding of the significant role mental health plays in overall health and wellness. This year, this annual awareness day falls on May 7th.

One in every four or five youth in the general population meets criteria for a lifetime mental disorder, and the risk of mental illness increases for young people from low-income families and those who have been involved with the juvenile justice or child welfare systems. Discrimination associated with mental illness poses a large barrier to recovery and is a main reason why people don’t seek help and treatment.