Talking to Your Teen About Mental Health

Studies have shown that talking to teens about mental health can help them to:

• Feel more comfortable talking about their mental health.
• Be more likely to seek help if they need it.
• Have a better understanding of mental health.
• Feel less alone.

Talking to your teen about mental health can be a daunting task. You may be worried about how they will react, or you may not know where to start. However, it is vital to have these conversations, as they can help your teen to get the support they need.

This article will provide you with tips on how to start a conversation with your teen about mental health. It will also discuss how to listen to your teen and respond to their concerns. The article will include a list of resources for parents seeking more information on how to talk to their teens about mental health.

Tips for Talking to Your Teen About Mental Health

• Choose the right time and place. Don’t try to have this conversation when you’re both stressed or tired. Choose a time when you can both relax and focus on each other.
• Start by asking open-ended questions. This will help you to get a better understanding of your teen’s thoughts and feelings. For example, you could ask them, “How are you feeling lately?” or “What’s been going on at school?”
• Be patient and understanding. It may take some time for your teen to open up to you. Be patient and let them know that you’re there to listen.
• Avoid making assumptions. Don’t assume that you know what your teen is going through. Listen to what they have to say and let them know that you’re there to support them.
• Encourage your teen to seek professional help. If you’re concerned about your teen’s mental health, encourage them to talk to a therapist or counselor.

How to Listen to Your Teen

• Pay attention to what they’re saying. Don’t just listen to the words they’re saying, but also pay attention to their body language and tone of voice.
• Don’t interrupt. Let your teen finish what they have to say before you respond.
• Acknowledge their feelings. Let your teen know that you understand how they’re feeling. For example, you could say, “I can see you’re feeling stressed out.”
• Don’t judge. It’s important to be non-judgmental when your teen is talking to you about their mental health.

How to Respond to Your Teen’s Concerns

• Validate their feelings. Let your teen know that their feelings are valid. For example, you could say, “It’s okay to feel that way.”
• Offer support. Let your teen know that you’re there for them and that you will support them through whatever they’re going through.
• Reassure them that they’re not alone. Let your teen know that many people struggle with mental health issues and that they’re not alone.
• Encourage them to seek professional help. If you’re concerned about your teen’s mental health, encourage them to talk to a therapist or counselor.

Resources for Parents

• The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): https://www.nami.org/
• Child Mind Institute: https://childmind.org/
• American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP): https://www.aacap.org/
• MentalHealth.gov: https://www.mentalhealth.gov/

Talk To Your Teen!

Talking to your teen about mental health can be a difficult conversation, but it is an important one. By following the tips in this article, you can start a conversation with your teen and help them to get the support they need.

Remember, you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you and your teen. Please reach out to us today to learn more about our programs and how we can assist you in your journey toward mental well-being.