May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Prioritizing Young Minds: Supporting Children’s Mental Health During Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to reflect, learn, and speak openly about something that affects every family and community: mental health. At Oregon Family Support Network (OFSN), we know that raising awareness is just the beginning. We work every day to ensure that families—especially those raising children with mental health and behavioral challenges—are heard, supported, and empowered.

Why Focus on Children’s Mental Health?

Children and youth experience complex emotions, stress, and trauma just like adults do. But too often, their mental health needs are misunderstood or overlooked. Behaviors that stem from anxiety, depression, ADHD, or trauma can be labeled as “defiance” or “bad behavior,” instead of being recognized as signs that a young person is struggling.

At OFSN, we believe that behind every challenging behavior is an unmet need—and we walk alongside families to help uncover those needs and advocate for their children. Mental Health Awareness Month is an important opportunity to lift up those young voices and the families supporting them.

What Families Need

Oregon families raising children with mental health or behavioral health needs often face significant barriers: long waitlists, stigma, lack of culturally responsive care, and systems that are difficult to navigate. That’s why OFSN exists—to connect families to peer support, resources, education, and advocacy, so no one has to face this journey alone.

We know that:

• Families are experts in their own experiences.

• Peer support from those who have “been there” can be life-changing.

• Early and equitable access to mental health services can change a child’s life trajectory.

What You Can Do

This Mental Health Awareness Month, we invite you to join us in supporting children’s mental health across Oregon:

• Listen to families: Believe their stories. Respect their expertise.

• Check in with kids: Ask open-ended questions like “How are you feeling lately?” or “What’s been hard for you?”

• Challenge stigma: Speak openly about mental health and the importance of support.

• Support systems of care: Advocate for school-based mental health services, youth peer support, and family voice in decision-making.

• Connect families to OFSN: If you know someone struggling, help them find their local OFSN chapter for support.

• Support our work: Donate, volunteer, or partner with OFSN to help us reach more families across Oregon.

We’re Here for You

At OFSN, we believe every child deserves to feel seen, valued, and supported. And every parent and caregiver deserves to be heard. This month, let’s raise our voices—not only to build awareness, but to take action for Oregon’s families.

You don’t have to walk this path alone. Reach out —we’re here to help.

🌱 Learn more at http://www.ofsn.org
📞 Need support? Call us at 1-833-REACH-OR (1-833-732-2467)

Together, we can create a future where every child’s mental health is prioritized, and every family is empowered.