April is recognized as the Month of the Military Child, a time to honor the strength and sacrifice of the almost 2 million military-connected children across the United States and overseas. While their family members serve our country, these children serve in their own way – adapting to frequent moves, long separations and the emotional weight that military life can bring.
Military children are remarkably resilient, but resilience does not mean they are unaffected. On average, military families relocate every two to three years, and many children will attend six to nine different schools before graduating high school. Each year, about one-third of military families relocate, requiring children to repeatedly rebuild friendships, adjust to new environments and navigate uncertainty.
Beyond mobility, many military-connected children experience the stress of parental and family deployments, which can last months at a time. For some, there is also the challenge of reintegration when a family member returns home changed by the realities of service, including exposure to trauma or combat-related stress. These experiences can increase the risk of anxiety, depression, behavioral challenges and difficulties in school.
During this Month of the Military Child, we encourage our community to show visible support by wearing purple, a color symbolizing all branches of the military. It’s a simple gesture that sends a powerful message: we see military children, we value their sacrifices and we stand with them.
As a behavioral health provider serving this community, Lincoln Prairie Behavioral Health Center recognizes both the strength and the unique needs of military families. Our team takes a trauma-informed approach to care, understanding how disruption, uncertainty, and stress can shape a child’s emotional and behavioral health. We work closely with children and their families to build coping skills, restore stability and foster long-term resilience.
Equally important, we want families to know they are not alone – and that support is available when it’s needed. Early intervention can make a meaningful difference, helping children process their experiences in healthy ways and preventing challenges from becoming crises.
At Lincoln Prairie, we provide confidential assessments 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to help connect military children and families with the right level of care. Whether a child is struggling with anxiety, behavioral concerns or the stress of transition, compassionate, professional support is available.
Military children demonstrate courage every day. This April, and every month, we honor them not only with words, but with action: by ensuring they have access to the mental health resources and treatment they deserve.
To learn more or to speak with a member of our team, call 217-585-1180 or visit lincolnprairiebhc.com
Tom DeMarco is the CEO of the Lincoln Prairie Behavioral Health Center.
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Honoring military kids means supporting their mental health | Opinion
Reporting by Tom DeMarco, Special to the State Journal-Register / State Journal-Register
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