Turn Awareness Into A.C.T.I.O.N. – Celebrating Mental Health Month

Every May since 1949, Mental Health Month has focused on raising awareness about mental health. While awareness remains crucial—especially with anxiety and depression rates among youth reaching historic highs—this year’s focus goes further. Mental Health America’s 2025 theme challenges us all to “Turn Awareness Into Action,” moving beyond recognition toward creating meaningful, lasting change. This month, we’ll explore practical A.C.T.I.O.N. steps to boost your family’s mental wellness and help you feel confident in supporting your child’s emotional health journey. Because while awareness is important, it’s the actions we take that truly make a difference.

Why Mental Health Matters for Every Family

Mental health shapes how your family connects, communicates, and thrives together. As your child’s first teacher and strongest advocate, you set the foundation for their emotional well-being through daily interactions—from addressing fears to celebrating victories. Your own mental wellness is equally crucial, creating a positive ripple effect throughout your family. Through the A.C.T.I.O.N. framework, you can transform mental wellness from another task on your to-do list into a natural part of your daily life.

Your Family A.C.T.I.O.N. Guide

A – Assess Your Family’s Mental Health

Understanding Child Mental Health

Children can develop the same mental health conditions as adults. In fact, 50% of all lifetime mental health conditions begin by age 14, and 75% by age 24. Common conditions in children include anxiety disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and eating disorders. These conditions can affect children of any age, background, or family situation. Unfortunately, there’s often an 8-10 year gap between when symptoms first appear and when children receive help, making early recognition crucial.

Recognizing Early Warning Signs

While every child develops differently, certain changes may signal the need for additional support. Parents sometimes miss early warning signs because they can be subtle or mistaken for typical growing pains. Watch for changes in your child’s sleep patterns or appetite, shifts in mood or behavior, or loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities. Trust your instincts – you know your child best. If you notice concerning changes that last more than two weeks or interfere with daily life, it’s time to take action. The sooner you take action, the better the outcomes.

Early Intervention

For families with young children, early intervention can make a lasting difference. Children from birth to age 3 can access services through your local Infant Toddler Connection, while preschool-aged children (2-5) may qualify for Early Childhood Special Education Services through local school divisions. These programs are available regardless of your ability to pay and can provide crucial support during key developmental periods. Early intervention services support children with developmental delays or disabilities in building their cognitive, language, and motor skills. Getting this help early can make it less likely they’ll need more intensive special education or adult disability services down the road.

Visit the Mayo Clinic website for more information about recognizing the signs of mental illness in children and how to help your child.

C – Choose Your Family’s Path

According to the Child Mind Institute, effective mental health support for children typically includes a combination of approaches, such as behavioral therapy and family-based treatment. Your options range from individual therapy to family therapy, which helps strengthen your entire family’s ability to support each other. Research shows that parent involvement makes child therapy more effective.

Learn more about your treatment options:

T – Take Steps Together

Talking to Kids About Mental Health

Having open conversations about mental health helps decrease stigma and shows children that their feelings matter. While these discussions might feel uncomfortable at first, they open vital lines of communication that help you recognize warning signs early. Choose natural moments for talks, like car rides or walks, where children often feel more relaxed and willing to share. Listen with curiosity and without judgement, use age-appropriate language, and make connections to physical health they understand. Share your own feelings and experiences when relevant, and remember that it’s not about having one big talk – it’s about keeping the conversation going. Visit NAMI’s guide for more conversation starters and strategies.

Simple Steps to Start Today

Taking action doesn’t mean you have to make big changes all at once. Start with small, manageable steps that feel right for your family. Schedule that therapy appointment you’ve been considering, or begin with something as simple as a daily family walk to boost everyone’s mood. Create a quiet corner in your home where family members can take breaks when feeling overwhelmed, or set aside 10 minutes at dinner for everyone to share their highs and lows. The key is to choose one small change and commit to it this week – whether that’s practicing deep breathing together before bedtime or starting each morning with a quick family check-in. Visit the Child Mind Institute for more ideas on getting started with mental health support.

I – Identify Additional Supports

You’re not alone in this journey. While professional help is often an important part of supporting your children’s mental health, there are many additional resources and supports that can help your family thrive. Building a strong support network and creating nurturing environments are key steps in your family’s mental health journey.

Support Through Learning

Parent Support Resources

O – Observe What’s Working…Or Not

Tracking your family’s mental health journey is crucial. Take time to regularly pause and reflect on the strategies you’ve implemented. Are those daily family walks boosting everyone’s mood? Does the new bedtime routine seem to be helping? Flexible, adaptive approaches are most effective, so don’t be afraid to make adjustments.

Consider keeping a simple journal to track mood changes, energy levels, and positive moments. Remember, progress isn’t linear. Some strategies will work wonderfully, while others might need tweaking. The key is to remain observant, compassionate, and willing to adapt.

N – Nurture Yourself

Last but certainly not least, prioritize your own emotional well-being. As a parent or caregiver, it’s easy to focus entirely on your child’s needs, but nurturing yourself is important too. Self-care isn’t selfish – it’s essential. Whether it’s practicing daily breathing exercises, attending a community event, or simply taking a few moments of quiet reflection, find activities that replenish your mental and emotional reserves.

Coming Soon:

Parent Self-Care Mini Course!


Join us this summer for our new mini-course designed specifically for busy parents. Learn practical self-care strategies that fit into your daily routine and discover how to balance caring for yourself while supporting your family’s mental health needs. Stay tuned for registration details!

Taking the Next Steps

As we celebrate Mental Health Month, remember that every step you take—whether big or small—moves your family toward better emotional wellness. The A.C.T.I.O.N. framework provides a foundation for this ongoing journey, but it’s just the beginning. Supporting your child’s mental health starts with understanding their needs and creating a nurturing environment. Quality child care plays a crucial role in this journey, providing not just supervision, but emotional support and structured learning that can positively impact a child’s mental well-being.

Visit our Families pages for more information on choosing quality child care.

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