We at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://peers.net/">Peers.net</a> know how important it is to talk about mental health -but we also understand how challenging it can be . Bringing up mental struggles and challenges in our conversations can feel&nbsp; extremely vulnerable, and often uncomfortable, especially given how deeply rooted in our society and history is the feeling of shame around these topics.Yet, discussion topics for teens about mental health is the very first step to overcoming the stigma surrounding it.Talking to our children about mental health allows them to speak freely about their own experiences, and encourages them to ask questions about our individual wellbeing . When children see strong role models in their lives addressing emotions in a healthy way, they more easily learn communication skills and resilience. This guides them in developing appropriate coping skills and greater perspective about what they are going through.&nbsp;By sensitively and authentically&nbsp; bringing up mental health topics, you can address stigma head-on, and prevent your child from the dangerous feeling of suffering alone. This article provides information on how to facilitate conversations about mental health with members of your family. Talking about mental health within your home is the first step towards mental health acceptance and healing.<h2>Preparing Yourself for Discussion Topics for Teens</h2>Often, it is easy to jump into conversations with preconceived notions about what your child is going through. After all, who knows your child better than you do? However, leaving space for your child to express exactly what they are going through allows them room to challenge your assumptions about them, and allows them to guide the conversation. Remind yourself to keep an open mind.Take note of any behavior you find concerning, such as sudden mood or behavioral changes. Having these in the back of your mind will allow you to contextualize their feelings within their day to day life and help with teenage topics of discussion. Yet, try to not make any assumptions purely based on these actions – allow them to explain themselves without fear of judgment.Prepare a dedicated time to talk, so that you both can direct your attention fully to one another. Going into a conversation with no distractions is particularly important for something of this nature. Pick a place where your child feels the most comfortable– conversations about mental health can often feel difficult to hold, but having them in a familiar space can make them easier on both sides.&nbsp;We have more tips on how to have tough conversations here- these suggestions are important for any talk, not just talks about mental health!&nbsp;<h2>Responding to Signs of Struggle in Discussions</h2>If you get to the conversation and have noted some behaviors you are concerned about, here are some example discussion topics for teens and how to talk with teens.&nbsp;<ul><li>Ask open-ended questions to your kids and listen actively, responding to their doubts and concerns. </li><li>Normalize struggles as a natural part of development deserving compassion, from oneself and from others. This is normal a discussion topics for teens.</li><li>Discuss potential paths forward – remind them that there are numerous solutions to explore, and that we all need to find what works for ourselves </li><li>Establish a plan of what to do in the event things were to take a turn for the worse, and make sure you are on the same page of what that plan looks like.</li><li>Communicate that they are not alone– mental struggles&nbsp; can feel isolating, but by having these conversations you are showing them you care. You can say something as simple as “you are not alone”. At times, it’s the most important message they need to hear.</li></ul>There are lots of tools and programs designed to help when someone is struggling with their mental wellbeing. Talking to a therapist is a pretty common path when it comes to these challenges. But there are many alternative forms of care available , such as medication or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://peers.net/">peer support</a>. Make sure to let them know you will be there to support&nbsp; them on their journey, and that we all can and should experiment with different solutions until we find what works for us.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Checking In on Overall Wellbeing</h2>Even if you haven’t noticed any concerning behaviors, checking in on your kid’s mental and emotional health is incredibly important. If your child does struggle in the future, they will see you as accepting of their struggles, and they will know your door is open. In establishing what is a normal discussion topics for teens will also establish you in their eyes as someone safe to go to whenever they have questions about anything they may be struggling with .When checking in on their wellbeing, it is important to keep these discussion topics for teenagers in mind. Your child may be feeling sad or upset, even if they’re showing it, so do not go into the conversation expecting to hear that all is well. Make sure you leave room for your child to express any concerns, if they have them, and to candidly communicate what they are feeling.It is important to establish early on that talking about one’s mental health is extremely important. In doing this, you are ignoring the stigma that surrounds mental health and teaching your child that it is not just normal but imperative to talk about your feelings. It is painful to keep things bottled up– communicating this, as well as your constant support for them, will help their understanding of how to manage their mental wellbeing and how and when to talk about it and what questions to ask a teenager.&nbsp;You can also use this time to explain a few things that might help their overall wellbeing. This could include openly talking to friends and family about their feelings, making sure they are maintaining good physical health, and getting enough quality&nbsp; sleep. Also, remind them that therapy and other clinical and non-clinical solutions are available too, should they want to explore them.<h2>How to Establish an Ongoing Dialogue</h2>After having a good first&nbsp; conversation, it is easy to feel like the work is done. However, it’s important that you&nbsp; explicitly make yourself available to talk repeatedly and consistently and how to speak with your teenager. This will show your child that you are always there for them, that mental health is a lifelong journey, and that we need to learn to surf the waves as they come .Here are a few ways you can remind your child you are always there for them and some questions to ask your teenager:<ul><li>Ask them to communicate with you should any issues arise again in the future, near or far</li><li>Remind them that, although they might not need extra support right now, resources are always available to them – and so are you</li><li>Ask your child what the best way to check in with them is. “How is your mental health” may be too direct for them, so find an agreement on what language works best</li><li>Bring up openly and often what you are personally struggling with. This will help normalize ongoing conversations about everyone’s wellbeing </li><li>Constant reminders that you are there for them – whether it’s about their mental health or anything else – will go a long way</li></ul>Establish these conversations as a judgment-free zone. This will help them understand that they can be frank and honest about how they feel. Talking does not have to be scary – by normalizing these conversations, you are creating space for your child to feel big feelings, and to learn how to communicate and manage them.<h2>You got this</h2>Taking&nbsp; steps to understand how to talk so teens will listen and have honest and productive conversations is so important. It allows your family to see you as a safe space if they are ever in a bad mental health spell, or whenever they feel in need to be heard. You are doing important work by learning more about how to talk with teens have open and productive conversations.If you want to further your education about mental health, we have a whole article about it here! We also have information on mental health peer support <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://peers.net/about">here.</a> Keep learning and growing through your mental health journey- you got this! &nbsp;

Erika Rowen

How to Talk to Your Child about Mental Health

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How to Talk to Your Child about Mental Health

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