"Mental health" is a broad phrase that means different things to different people. Anxiety, OCD, depression, body image, ADHD and so much more, that children may experience themselves or through family members. Mental health education can begin at a young age. It will help children as well as their parents to become better informed and hopefully gain a better understanding of mental health.

Children don't often know there may be a reason for the way they feel. They may feel like nobody else feels that way, and therefore, not talk about it. The CDC reports:

  • More than 1 in 3 high school students experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in 2019, a 40 percent increase since 2009.
  • In 2019, approximately 1 in 6 youth reported making a suicide plan in the past year, a 44% increase since 2009.

Dr. Colleen Mullen, PsyD, LMFT, says chronic dismissal of our own feelings can ultimately impact our self-confidence. Over time, we may feel like nobody cares about our needs or desires and that our opinion or voice doesn't matter. Bottling up feelings as a child can lead to bigger mental health issues later on in life as well.

Related:How To Nurture A Fifth Grader's Mental Health

Mindfulness is becoming a bigger part of the overall mental health community. Mindfulness is the practice of being fully aware of the present moment; it can be beneficial to people of all ages. The Center for Change says mindfulness practices can help us increase our ability to regulate emotions, and decrease stress, anxiety and depression.

Due to the many benefits, a lot of publishers have started to provide books that teach mindfulness to young children. If they are struggling, this might help them with coping techniques and realizing they are not alone.

10 Each Tiny Spark By Pablo Cartaya

Each Tiny Spark

(ADHD/PTSD) Emilia Torres has a wandering mind. It's hard for her to remember things and often harder for her to keep her train of thought. Her father is deployed, and she yearns for his return, so her family can go back to the way she remembers. Unfortunately, when her father returns, things return to anything but normal.

9 Lily & Dunkin By Donna Gephart

Lily & Dunkin

(Transgender/BiPolar Disorder) Lily Jo McGrother, born Timothy McGrother, is a girl. But being a girl is not so easy when you look like a boy. Especially when you're in the eighth grade. Dunkin Dorfman is dealing with bipolar disorder and has just moved from a town in New Jersey that he had called home for the past thirteen years. One summer morning, Lily meets Dunkin, and their lives change forever.

8 Super Powered: Transform Anxiety Into Courage, Confidence, And Resilience By Renee Jain And Shefali Tsabary

Superpower

(Anxiety) Now more than ever, kids need to feel empowered as they work through anxiety and low self-esteem. Super Powered provides hands-on suggestions, tips, and help for them. This book will be loved by every child who has or does struggle with insecurities, worries, and anxious thoughts.

7 Your Brain Needs a Hug: Life, Love, Mental Health, and Sandwiches By Rae Earl

your brain needs a hug

(Mindfulness) This book is filled with advice, coping strategies, and humorous moments to help kids through difficult days. This enlightening novel is the perfect read for those needing to feel happier. It helps them navigate life without feeling overwhelmed or isolated.

6 My Anxious Mind By Michael A. Tompkins And Katherine A. Martinez

My Anxious Mind

(Anxiety/Panic Attacks) My Anxious Mind helps tweens and teens take control of their emotions by providing cognitive behavioral strategies. They learn to tackle anxiety head-on and to feel confident doing it. It also offers skills to help manage stress, and panic attacks, and use diet and exercise appropriately to aid in their mental health.

5 Hazel Bly And The Deep Blue Sea By Ashley Herring Blake

Hazel Bly

(Grief/Trauma) Hazel Bly used to live in the perfect house with the perfect family in sunny California. However, when a kayaking trip goes horribly wrong, Hazel is left with crippling anxiety, an irregular scar on her face, and her mother is now gone, forever. Hazel soon finds herself thinking, "What if emerge from the darkness stronger than before?"

4 Life In The Balance By Jen Petro-Roy

Life in the balance

(Parent struggles with addiction) Veronica is excited to try out for softball, except right before tryouts, Veronica's mom announces that she's entering rehab for alcoholism, and her dad tells her that they may not be able to afford the fees needed to be on the team. Veronica's mom isn't the only one who will learn how to balance.

3 The King Of Jam Sandwiches By Eric Walter

Jam Sandwiches

(Mental Health/Poverty) Robbie is a 13-year-old boy whose dad is different from most parents. Sometimes he wakes Robbie up in the middle of the night to talk about dying. Sometimes he leaves without telling Robbie where he's going. Robbie fears foster care, so he keeps this to himself until he meets Harmony.

2 Just Feel By Mallika Chopra

Just Feel

(Mindfulness) Just Feel is one of the very few books on social and emotional health that speaks directly to kids. Designed specifically with kids ages 8-12 in mind, the book clearly addresses important topics such as flexibility, responsibility, communication, creativity, and self-knowledge.

1 The Worry (less) Book By Rachel Brian

Worry (less)

(Anxiety/Mindfulness) Everyone feels worried sometimes. But too much anxiety can cause bigger issues. This book will help children identify when they are feeling anxious, and understand why it's happening. It will equip kids with all the tools they need to find calm again.

Sources: Dr. Colleen Mullen, CDC, Center for Change