Talking to Your Child About Their Mental Health
Talking to your child about their mental health may feel uncomfortable due to the stigma around the subject. Although starting the conversation may be difficult, it can be quite beneficial. By talking with your child about their mental health, you can better understand their needs and how you can support them. Teaching your children to take care of their mental health now is setting them up with skills they can carry through life.
The following are tips on how to talk with your child about their mental health.
Make Sure Your Child Feels Comfortable
Before any serious conversation with your children, you want to make sure they feel safe and comfortable. When possible, we suggest choosing a time where the conversation can come about naturally. If your child is becoming uncomfortable, it is okay to take a step back. Explain why you are asking these questions and the importance of talking about mental health.
Listen and Validate Their Experiences
Many children may feel ashamed or embarrassed when talking about their mental health. By listening thoughtfully and empathizing with them, you can help validate their experiences. It can be helpful to let your child know that other people feel this way, and that they are not alone.
Make Sure They Know It Is Not Their Fault
Oftentimes children with mental health conditions think that their condition is their fault or that it takes away from them as a person. The stigma against mental health reinforces these ideas. It is important to help them see that there is nothing wrong with who they are, and that many people struggle with their mental health.
Have Frequent COnversations
By frequently having conversations with your children about their mental health, the conversations become a lot less daunting. You can establish a safe space for your children to discuss their thoughts and feelings with you. By touching base often, you can better identify any developing issues they may need help or support with.
Discuss Self-care
There are strong connections between mental health and physical health. Teach your child how to care for both their mind and body by practicing self-care.
Be Open To Questions
Encourage your child to ask you any questions they may have about their mental health. It is okay if you do not have answers to all their questions, but remain open and honest. We suggest speaking with your child’s health care provider so that they can help answer any further questions your child may have.
More Information
For more information about talking to your child about their mental health, we recommend speaking with their health care provider.
To read more, the following resources are suggested:
CDC:https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/index.html
NIMH:https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/children-and-mental-health
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