Tips for Parents: Talking to Your Teen About Mental Health

Teens today face overwhelming pressure, from academics and social media to identity struggles and anxiety about the future. It’s no surprise that rates of depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges are on the rise among adolescents. Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in supporting a teen’s emotional well-being, but knowing how to talk about mental health isn’t always easy. Below are some tips to make starting these conversations easier. 

Starting the Mental Health Conversation With Your Teen

Understand that this may be a difficult topic to talk about, especially if you’ve never brought it up before. You may notice you or your teen have strong emotions that arise. Be patient with yourself and your teen.

• Pick the right moment: Talk during calm, casual moments like car rides or walks. Don't start a conversation in the heat of conflict. 

• Use open-ended questions: Ask how they’re feeling, what’s been hard lately, or if they’ve felt anxious or down. 

• Validate, don’t fix: Acknowledge their feelings instead of jumping straight to advice. Offer empathy and support rather than solutions.  

• Be honest about your own experiences: Normalize mental health struggles by sharing your own emotions and how you were able to overcome challenges you have faces to offer hope.  

• Offer support: Let them know you’re there to help, not judge or supervise. 

It’s okay if your teen doesn’t open up right away. What matters is creating a safe space where they know you’re ready to listen whenever they are. Continue conversations about emotions and mental health. 

How Therapy Can Help

You don’t have to figure it out alone. Therapy can provide guidance for approaching emotionally charged conversations. Furthermore, a specialized teen therapist can help you and your child improve communication, build trust, and develop coping strategies for everyone involved. 

If you’re concerned about your teen’s mental health, reach out today to set up a free consultation call to see if therapy could help you or your teen.