Supporting children's mental health is a vital investment in their development, with resources like the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline available for those in crisis.

Early mental health support is essential for helping children grow into healthy, capable adults, with pediatrician-family partnerships playing a key role.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that pediatricians conduct annual mental and developmental health screenings starting at 6 months old, during routine well-child visits at ages 1, 2, 3, and annually thereafter.

Early identification of mental health concerns is crucial, as there is a 2- to 4-year window between initial symptoms and full-blown disorders, affecting children's learning and development.

Pediatricians are well-positioned to detect early signs of mental health issues by considering family history and community environment, starting with postpartum depression screening within the first month of life.

This new guideline addresses the rising mental health crisis among U.S. youth, where up to 20% of children as young as 2 experience issues like depression, anxiety, ADHD, or suicidal thoughts.

Strategies such as expert consultations, team-based care, and specialized training are recommended to help pediatricians respond effectively to mental health needs.

Guidelines include organizing pediatric practices around mental health screening, responding to positive screens, and building family resilience to promote overall wellness.

Suicide has become a leading cause of death among children aged 10 to 14 and young adults aged 15 to 24, with rates increasing by 41% between 2000 and 2017, underscoring the urgency of early detection and intervention.