One of the great ironies I've come to recognize in talking to many people about children's mental health is that while virtually everyone has a close personal experience: a young relative with an autism spectrum disorder, a child suffering from depression, or being the victim (or perpetrator) of bullying in school, almost all of those people have a sense of being alone in trying to get help with the problem.

At the core of this paradox lies the taboo surrounding mental health issues. There is simply too much fear - born of ignorance - to allow for the open discussion of personal experiences. And where there is fear and ignorance, myths and taboos flourish.

There is a story I have now heard many times which illustrates how strong these barriers are: A young child is diagnosed at an early age with some serious physical illness, perhaps cancer or diabetes. At once, a medical team is brought in to provide treatment, including ongoing treatment and support in the home. Family and friends rally around to offer support and comfort. Even comparative strangers arrive at the door with gifts or food. There is a sense that the community is joined in common cause to defeat the illness.

A few years later, perhaps as a result of what the child has gone through, she begins to show signs of mental suffering: acute depression, or aggressive behaviour in school. Now, the parent searches desperately (and, in more than 80% of the cases, vainly) for help. Perhaps the family physician suggests that "This is just a phase. Your child will grow out of it. It's quite natural." Or a child psychologist suggests that the problem may lie with poor parenting: too much (or too

little) affection, discipline, whatever. Relatives and friends grow distant, the child is ostracized from parties or other social activities. The family feels trapped and alone. The stigma surrounding mental health issues becomes self-stigma as the child loses her sense of self-worth.

None of this is meant to cast blame - yet. We fear what we don't understand, and, as with other illnesses, mental health problems are often there 24 hours a day. But the fact remains that many of the mental illnesses faced by young people can be treated effectively. That the sooner help is provided, the easier it can be to achieve a good result. That family and friends play an important role in the treatment.

So here's the challenge: we all need to become better informed by recognizing how pervasive mental illness is among young people, by being aware that help is available and effective. We need to welcome our role in helping to support families trying to deal with mental illness just as we would in the case of any other juvenile illness. We need to open society to talk about mental illness in children, just as our parents helped to overcome the stigma which kept cancer a taboo for so long. We need to call for, and support, new initiatives in treating childhood mental illness.

We can then rejoice in the life-changing impact we have shared on the lives of our young people and their families.

By visiting this web site, you have moved a long way towards starting to meet the challenge. Please let others know about it. And, as always, your comments and suggestions will be welcomed.