When we talk about mental health, we seldom talk about children.
Health experts estimate only 20 percent of all young people who need mental health services actually receive them. The State Department of Health's "Does My Child/Teen Need Help" is addressing the issue.
Kim Rivera was a mom searching for answers.
"I saw my son slipping into depression, you know he would be sleeping all hours of the day and night," said Rivera. She says his behavior escalated but he eventually received help. "Together with school administrators, with my family and teachers, we were able to change classroom environment, get counseling and my child was successful."
But there are millions of teens and adolescents not receiving proper care. According to national surveys up to 13 percent of all students in America, or about 6-to-9 million children, are living with a mental health issue.
"Particularly anxiety and depression are the ones that goes undetected and a lot of times in our society we think people should just kind of gut it out and somehow work through that," said clinical psychologist Joe Acklin.
"Our island cultures there's the shame factor but we need to put that aside and get the help that our children do need," said Rivera.
These three brochures will help.
"The main thing we want people to know is that they don't have to go searching for how to find help," said retired judge Marcia Waldorf. "Generally these are meant for the parents but we also thought you know teens have their own circle of friends and they see what they see that maybe parents and educators don't see. What we really want is for people to hold on to these as information material."
Beginning Monday more than 200,000 brochures will be distributed to DOE schools.
"Having another resource to give to the families to help them because it isn't just the school that can take of everything," said Aiea Elementary School Principal Kathleen O'Malley.
Advocates say early intervention is crucial.
"I have a student downstairs right now who's got anger management and I've got the counselor there, we partner with the school psychologist," said O'Malley.
"Many times our children turn to negative behaviors drinking, drugs, self-mutilation for girls, so there are things that we need to educate everyone," said Rivera.
The brochures include referral numbers and contact information; sources of support for families in need.
"Sometimes its beyond our scope of helping our children so we need to reach out," said Rivera. "Openly talking about mental issues is the key. Get the help you need. No shame!"
