Unlocking the Conversation: A Roadmap to Discussing Mental Health with Your Teen

Navigating the Mental Health Maze: A Guide for Parents and Teens

We know it’s tough to talk about mental health. It’s like trying to navigate a dense forest with no map – confusing, scary, and full of unknowns. But here’s the thing: we’re all about making this forest less scary. So, grab your compass and let’s get started.

Choosing the Perfect Moment

First things first, finding the right time to bring up mental health can be a game changer. Picture a relaxed afternoon, maybe you’re helping each other with chores or cooking up a storm in the kitchen, perhaps you’re just chilling out or driving somewhere. This is the time when conversation can flow naturally, like a lazy river.

If you notice your teen seems occupied, maybe they’re having a bad day or they’re super busy with something, it’s best to hold off. Timing really is everything.

Starting the Conversation

Alright, so you’ve got your moment. Now, how do you start talking about something as big as mental health? Here are some ways to kickstart the convo:

• Noticing changes: Maybe your teen doesn’t hang out with their friends as much, or schoolwork is slipping. It could be they’re more interested in morbid topics or their mood seems darker. Mention these observations gently – remember, this isn’t about accusing or judging.
• Screening results: If you’ve taken an online mental health screen, like the one on mhascreening.org, and it hints your kid might be dealing with a mental health issue, share these results. You could even ask them to take a youth screen test.
• Research: Take some time to look up mental health info from reputable sources, print it out, and talk about it with your kid.
• Experience: If you’ve had your own battles with mental health or seen friends or family struggle, share these experiences. Emphasize that mental health issues are common, and most importantly, treatable.

Your Teen Wants to Talk? Here’s What to Do

Now, what if your child is the one who starts the conversation? That’s great – it means they trust you. Here’s what you should do:

• Listen: Clear your mind and really pay attention to what they’re saying.
• Support: Ask them what they think they need to feel better. If they’re unsure, offer to help them figure it out.
• Learn: If your child brings you information, read it. Get to know as much as you can about their condition and mental health in general.
• Normalize: Remind your child that having a mental health issue is just like having a physical health issue – it’s common and it’s treatable.
• Confidentiality: Keep the conversation private unless there’s a risk of harm.
• Advocate: Help your child find the best mental health treatment. This might take time, but it’s worth it.

What Not to Do

• Don’t minimize: Your child’s feelings are real and important. Don’t dismiss them or tell them they shouldn’t feel a certain way.
• Don’t let your emotions control you: It’s natural to feel scared or angry, but try not to let these feelings drive your response.
• Don’t label: Avoid using terms like “crazy.”
• Don’t tell, ask: Instead of telling your child what to do, ask them what they want you to help them with.

And what if you’re not dealing with your kid?

Say a friend of your child, or any young person for that matter, opens up to you. First, check if they’ve spoken to their parents yet. If not, try to gently find out why. Offer to help them start that conversation with their parents.

Remember, you can provide support, advice, and even help them gather information. But when it comes to professional help like seeing a doctor or a mental health professional, that’s something only a parent or guardian can organize.

If you suspect any form of abuse or neglect, remember you have a responsibility to report it. In such a situation, you can call the Childhelp National Abuse Hotline at 800.422.4454 for guidance.

To Sum it Up

Starting a conversation about mental health might feel like a daunting task, but it’s an important step to help your teen navigate through their feelings and experiences. It’s about observing without judging, listening without interrupting, and supporting without imposing.

Your teen’s mental health matters. Just like we teach them to brush their teeth, eat healthily, and get enough sleep, we need to guide them in taking care of their mental health too. This journey might be a bit rocky, it might even seem like a steep hill at times, but remember – we’re climbing it together.

There are always new things to learn, new paths to navigate, and new ways to support each other. So, let’s keep talking, keep learning, and keep supporting each other in this journey. After all, nobody should have to navigate the mental health forest alone.