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Mental Health Awareness Month: Turn Awareness into Action

Spring may be in full swing during May, but it also means that it’s Mental Health Awareness Month. Bringing awareness to mental health struggles helps to normalize these challenges that many people, including youth, may face. This year’s theme, Turn Awareness into Action, serves as a powerful reminder that understanding mental health is truly only the first step. The next is to take meaningful, compassionate action. Action for ourselves, for others, and for the systems that impact our communities. Learn more about the national movement from Mental Health America’s Mental Health Month campaign.

At Western Youth Services (WYS), we’re committed to transforming awareness into support, advocacy, and empowerment with a primary focus on children, teens, and their families. Continue reading to discover how we can all play a role in advancing mental health awareness for youth and creating a future where every individual has access to the care that they need.

Why Mental Health Awareness for Youth Matters

Research shows that mental health challenges often begin earlier in life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 5 children in the U.S. experience a mental disorder each year, but only about 20% receive care from a specialized mental health provider.

These numbers prove just how necessary our efforts are. When children receive timely, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive support, they are more likely to thrive emotionally, academically, and socially.

From Awareness to Action: What You Can Do

While taking action may seem daunting, it’s really about the small, consistent steps that can create lasting change. Here are some practical ways to get involved:

1. Promote Self-Care

Encourage youth to prioritize their mental well-being. Simple practices like regular physical activity, deep breathing, journaling, and setting healthy boundaries can be very liberating.

  • Try starting a “feelings check-in” during daily routines.
  • Use mindfulness apps like Headspace or Smiling Mind, designed specifically for teens and young people.

2. Know the Signs and Start Conversations

Educating yourself on being able to recognize when a young person may need support is essential. Look for changes in mood, behavior, sleep, appetite, or school performance. If you’re concerned, initiate an open dialogue without judgment.

At WYS, our school-based mental health services help educators and families identify signs early and offer support on school campuses directly.

3. Find Mental Health Resources

Youth and their families benefit from having trusted, local, and age-appropriate mental health resources.

Western Youth Services offers:

  • No-cost mental health services for Orange County youth ages 0–25.
  • Trauma-informed care tailored to each young person’s needs.
  • Parent and caregiver workshops to support families as partners in mental wellness.
  • Early intervention programs that build emotional resilience and teach positive coping skills.

Learn more about WYS services here: Western Youth Services Programs

4. Become an Advocate

Policy changes at local and national levels can increase access to care, funding for school counselors, and awareness in underserved communities. Join advocacy campaigns, speak with school boards, or even support legislation that prioritizes mental health.

Organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offer toolkits for Mental Health Awareness Month that make advocacy more accessible for everyone.

WYS in Action

At WYS, mental health awareness is at the heart of everything we do. Through our partnerships with schools, local governments, and community-based organizations, we provide care that is:

  • Accessible: We believe that everyone deserves access to mental health resources,  whether that’s at school, home, or in the community.
  • Inclusive: Our clinicians reflect the diverse populations we serve and provide affirming care to all identities and backgrounds.
  • Innovative: Using data-informed approaches and evidence-based practices, we are continuously evolving to meet the mental health needs of today’s youth.

Helpful Mental Health Resources

Here are some trusted resources to support your mental health awareness journey:

Soar past awareness and more towards action, this Mental Health Awareness Month. Whether you’re a parent, educator, teen, or trusted adult, the role you play matters. By starting conversations, sharing resources, and supporting programs like those offered at Western Youth Services, you are helping to move the needle toward both healing and hope.

When we come together, we can ensure that every young person feels seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Western Youth Services is here for you. If you or a young person in your life needs support, we’re here and willing to help. Learn more about all of our services at www.westernyouthservices.org.

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