,

May is Mental Health Month

“WE DO NOT NEED MAGIC TO CHANGE THE WORLD, WE CARRY ALL THE POWER WE NEED INSIDE OURSELVES ALREADY: WE HAVE THE POWER TO IMAGINE BETTER.”
J.K. Rowling
We support the elevation of our communities in all forms – especially mental health. The following is a message from one organization committed to the health and wellness of children in Idaho

The Children’s Home Society of Idaho

May is mental health awareness month. A month that we reflect on mental health and what it means. For years society has told us it is different than physical health. It is not as important as physical health. We are told if we talk about having mental health illness we are different. If we get help for it, we are weak. Mind over matter. Right? When in fact this is far from the truth.
In 2020, according to Mental Health America, Idaho once again rank 48th in youth mental health. States with rankings 39-51 indicate that youth have higher prevalence of mental illness and lower rates of access to care.
It’s important to know this about our state and mental health so we can start to help our youth. Childhood depression is more likely to persist into adulthood if gone untreated.
9.2% of youth (over 2.2 million youth) cope with severe major depression. Depression in youth often co-occurs with other disorders like substance use, anxiety and disorderly behavior.*
And now we are living in extreme difficult times due to COVID. The last year has taken a toll on our youth.
Mental health does not take a break from COVID. In fact, as many are aware it puts stress and anxiety into high gear.  When we start to reflect back on the impact of this last year, and as we start to crush this curve, maybe start seeing more loved ones again, hanging out at a barbecue with our friends and neighbors, let this also be a time to open our ears, eyes and hearts and be aware of those around us who might be struggling. Check in on your child, your friend or your neighbor. Or if you are the one having a difficult time, reflect on yourself of what might be affecting you most. There are resources out there.
The Children’s Home Society offers a variety of progressive mental, emotional and behavioral health services, regardless of a families ability to pay, at its Warm Springs Counseling Centers, and remains true to its mission to improve the lives of children in the community.
*Resource: Mental Health America

About the Children’s Home Society of Idaho

The Children’s Home Society of Idaho was founded in 1908 by O.P. Christian. who worked alongside several community leaders, including C.W. Moore and Gov. Frank R. Gooding, to provide a place for children who were roaming city streets, begging and stealing food. Cynthia A. Mann, a school teacher and philanthropist, donated the land on which the home was built and still elegantly stands at 740 Warm Springs Avenue.

When foster care came about in the late 1960s, orphanages were soon to become obsolete. Children’s Home Society worked with Boise State University to determine the greatest need in the community for children at that time. Studies showed that there was a lack of mental, emotional and behavioral health care for children, especially those in low-income families. Thus, a transition began in 1975  from orphanage to outpatient mental health clinic.

In the last year the Warm Springs Counseling Center saw over 2,800 children and their family members. 56% of the children we see have Medicaid as their primary insurance. Common conditions that are treated include, bullying, trauma, abuse, grief, self-esteem issues, eating disorders, bipolar disorders, and life transitions, just to name a few.

Footnote: If you feel like you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call your mental health professional, go to an emergency room, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1.800.273.8255).
Author:

COLBI TWISS
Marketing Manager
Children’s Home Society of Idaho