Mental health challenges affect one in five children and teens. Most issues are treatable, and early treatment makes a difference. However, many do not get the help they need, often due to the stigma that surrounds mental health issues.

Join us for events in Seminole County being held to raise awareness,promote understanding that youth with mental health challenges are much more than their diagnoses, and encourage families of children and youth with mental health issues to seek treatment with the same urgency as any physical health condition.

• Thursday, May 7 - WEAR GREEN / TEXT, TALK, ACT

Green ribbons represent mental health. Wear green on Children's Mental Health Awareness Day. Post a picture on social media – tag Children's Mental Health Matters Seminole County  or #SemCoKids.

Join Youth MOVE Seminole in Text, Talk, Act - a 1-hour national dialogue about the importance of taking care of your mental health and how to help a friend in need. Location: CBC/FACTS office, 117 E. Lake Mary Blvd. in Sanford. More info: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

2015 is the 10th anniversary of National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day. Info: samhsa.gov/children

• Tuesday, May 12, 9:30 a.m. - WATCH PROCLAMATION

The Seminole County Commission will issue a proclamation recognizing May 2015 as Children's Mental Health Awareness Month. Watch it on Seminole County Government TV.

Please thank your community leaders! The cities of Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, Lake Mary, Longwood, Oviedo, Sanford and Winter Springs, and Seminole County School Board, all proclaimed May as Children's Mental Health Awareness Month.

• Thursday, May 14, 5-8 p.m. - TAKE IT TO THE STREET

Visit the Children's Mental Health Matters booth at the Alive After 5 street party on First Street in downtown Sanford. Booth will feature live music and materials, information and giveaways. To volunteer, contactThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . 

• Saturday, May 30, noon-4 p.m. - HAVE FAMILY FUN

Youth and families are invited to Let's MOVE: For Children's Mental Health Awareness at the East Altamonte Boys and Girls Clubs, 325 Station St., Altamonte Springs. The event is a family fun fair with resources, water slides, art show, bounce houses, food, games and more. Download the flyer. Download the registration form. Register: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

HOW ELSE CAN PEOPLE GIVE OR GET HELP?

• Click on our resources tab for links concerning the signs of mental illness and sources for assistance.

• Like the Facebook page Children's Mental Health Matters Seminole County and follow The Children's Cabinet's new Instagram site, #SemCoKids.

• Call 211 (free), run by Heart of Florida United Way, for assistance or local resources. Mental health counselors are on duty 24 hours a day.

• Call the free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK.