Small moments of care can make a big difference. That’s the message behind Child and Youth Mental Health Day, marked annually on May 7.

Child and Youth Mental Health Day advocates for meaningful conversations about mental health between children and the caring adults in their lives. It raises awareness and works to break down stigma that prevents families from accessing mental health services.

The day was established by FamilySmart, a BC-based organization, in 2007.

This year, FamilySmart is partnering with the BC School Counsellors Association to host a special online event that shares experiences, insights and practical ways to support the mental health of children and youth. You can learn more and access resources on FamilySmart’s website.

Beyond raising awareness, providing effective mental health treatment is an important way we can support young people who are struggling. But stark shortfalls persist in specialized mental health treatment services for Canadian children and youth.

Barriers to access include a lack of trained practitioners (particularly in remote communities), long waiting lists, stigma and the need to travel long distances to access care. Novel treatment approaches that address these barriers, including self-delivered treatments accessed online, may be an effective way to reach more children in need.

To learn more, see Vol. 14, No. 2 of the Children’s Mental Health Research Quarterly.