CHOC Mental Health Update | May 2021
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mental health check in challenge

Thank you Friend,

for being a champion for kids with mental illness in your community. Learn how you can help start the conversation about pediatric mental illness.

Mental Health Awareness Month: CHOC Check-In Challenge
Mental Health Awareness Month is the perfect time to support the mental health of our community. This May we’re challenging you to “check in” with yourself, your neighbors and more by asking how they’re doing and really listening to their answer. Find out more about the Check-In Challenge and follow our blog for a roadmap to get these conversations started. Remember, a small effort can have a big impact!

Mental Health Reading List for Children
Approximately 1 in 5 youth aged 13-17 experience a mental disorder, yet most are not exposed to mental health terminology or ideas until they’re receiving treatment. Early exposure and education in a neutral setting (like reading) can help normalize mental health treatment and make it more visible. Start by incorporating these books on mental health into your child’s reading list.

Ending Mental Health Stigma: Thoughts from a Survivor
Negative attitudes around mental illness are constantly reinforced in American culture and media. That’s why more than half of all Americans with a mental health condition remain untreated, reluctant to reach out. There’s an assumption that talking about mental health is enough to end stigma, but recent research suggests these campaigns are limited in effect. Read how one survivor suggests we do more.

Helping Children Cope with Mass Violence
Depending on your proximity to an incident of mass violence, you and/or your child may be directly impacted. It can be difficult for a child to understand what happened or make sense of it. In this blog article, CHOC Chief Psychologist Dr. Heather Huszti outlines common reactions to expect from your child, along with ways to minimize their trauma and help them cope.

Navigating Your Child’s Needle Phobia for COVID-19 Vaccines
Over 60% of children and nearly a quarter of adults are afraid of needles. So, while research indicates that vaccines are critical for ending the pandemic, vaccine hesitancy and fear slow our progress. Here are 10 research-proven strategies to minimize your child’s fear of needles as you head to vaccine centers in the coming months.


This email is intended to share news and information about the need for pediatric mental health services in Orange County and CHOC’s role in meeting those needs.

This email is not intended to replace the relationship you have with a physician or another healthcare practitioner. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. This email includes links to other websites which provide additional information that is consistent with the intended purpose of the CHOC Mental Health newsletter. Linking to a non-CHOC site does not constitute an endorsement by CHOC of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the site.

    
Long Live Childhood