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The rates of suspension and expulsion of children and youth with mental disorders are three times higher than their peers.²

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Their learning is negatively impacted because of poor concentration, distractibility, inability to retain information, poor peer relationships, and aggressive behavior.

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During any given school year, children and youth with mental health disorders may miss as many as 18 to 22 days.¹

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Frequently, because of their behavior, youth with mental health disorders pose challenges to parents and siblings and are sometimes singled out and blamed for family distress and disruption.

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In 2019, approximately 1 in 6 youth reported making a suicide plan in the past year, a 44% increase since 2009.

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Youth with poor mental health may struggle with school and grades, decision making, and their health.

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Building strong bonds and connecting to youth can protect their mental health. Schools and parents can create these protective relationships with students and help them grow into healthy adulthood.

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3.2% of children aged 3-17 years (approximately 1.9 million) have diagnosed depression.

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7.1% of children aged 3-17 years (approximately 4.4 million) have diagnosed anxiety.

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The common experience among members of a support group often means they have similar feelings, worries, everyday problems

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Benefits of participating in a support group may include:

Feeling less lonely, isolated or judged

Reducing distress, depression, anxiety or fatigue

Talking openly and honestly about your feelings

Improving skills to cope with challenges

Staying motivated to manage chronic conditions or stick to treatment plans

Gaining a sense of empowerment, control or hope

Improving understanding of a disease and your own experience with it

Getting practical feedback about treatment options

Learning about health, economic or social resources

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a person's family and friends may not understand the impact of a disease or treatment.

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Support groups bring together people who are going through or have gone through similar experiences.