You’re probably talking about mental health with your teen more often than you realize. This might look like checking in on them after a long day of testing, encouraging them to take a break from challenging homework, or letting them know it’s okay to cry. Mental health refers to our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. When it comes to talking about it with your teen, it’s not about having the perfect thing to say or all “right” technical terms; it’s about showing up. It’s also not always about solving anything – sometimes the thing that would fix it is beyond anyone’s control. Often, giving your teen a safe space to talk about mental health shows them you care and that your support is always there.
Pause and Reflect:
Many adults didn’t grow up with the chance to openly talk about mental health. Because of this, they may find it hard to notice and name their feelings, reach out for help, or give themselves permission to practice self-care. Many of these patterns show up in parenting. To reflect on this for yourself, think about how the adults in your life talked about emotions or mental health when you were younger. How might those early experiences shape the way you feel now about having those conversations with your own teen?
Make Mental Health Part of Everyday Conversation
Teens today are navigating a lot: academics, social media, friendships, identity, family pressures, and a rapidly changing world.
By making mental health part of everyday conversations, you help your teen understand that struggling doesn’t mean something’s wrong: it means they’re human. You can model this by naming your own emotions and coping strategies, the tools you use to get through stressful or emotional situations. It’s powerful when a teen hears you say something like, “I’ve been feeling a little anxious today, so I took a walk to clear my head.” It shows them that emotional ups and downs are normal, and that we all benefit from having healthy ways to cope.
Overtime, these examples help your teen build their own “coping toolbox,” a collection of people, activities, and habits they can turn to when things feel hard.
Part of that toolbox is having the words to describe what’s going on inside. Starting to do this when children are very young is ideal, but teens keep learning to name their feelings as they grow. You can support them by using words they understand and, when it fits, repeating the words they use to show you really get them.
If they’re struggling to explain something, you might say:
- “Was that frustrating, disappointing, or just confusing?”
- “Do you feel more angry or more hurt?”
- “Is it one of those days where you don’t even know what you’re feeling?”
- “You seem tense or overwhelmed. Am I reading that right?”
Even if they don’t open up right away, that’s okay. The most important thing is that they know you’re available and you’re paying attention. A simple, “I’m here whenever you’re ready to talk, no pressure,” can go a long way. Just knowing someone is willing to listen without judgment helps them feel less alone.
Know When to Bring in Additional Support
Being open about mental health doesn’t mean you have to know all the answers. Sometimes, your teen is going to need support that you are not able to provide. In those moments, the most caring thing you can do is help your teen connect with a therapist, school counselor, or another trusted adult.
If your teen is showing signs of ongoing sadness, anxiety, changes in appetite or sleep, or talks about hurting themselves or suicide, it’s important to get them professional support right away.
If your teen says or shows signs that they’re thinking about hurting themselves or ending their life: take it seriously, stay calm, and focus on keeping them safe. You do not have to handle this alone. Call or text 988 or take them to the nearest emergency department.
Let them know that asking for help doesn’t mean something is wrong with them. And it doesn’t mean you’ve failed at being a trusted adult: it shows how deeply you care and just how trusted you are to help them.
Keep the Door Open
Mental health isn’t a one-time conversation; it’s an ongoing relationship. Some days, your teen may be open and reflective. Other days, they might want to be left alone. Both are okay.
What matters most is that they know you’re a safe place to land. That you’ll check in, stay present, and show up consistently, even when things are quiet. That could look like a short car ride conversation, a check-in text like “Thinking of you and I’m here if you need me,” a moment at the dinner table, or using television, movies, or music to start conversations about feelings and experiences. These everyday moments help your teen practice using feeling words and show them they can trust you to listen.
You don’t need to be a mental health expert to be a steady, compassionate presence in your teen’s life. Normalizing talking about mental health helps your teen feel seen, supported, and comfortable asking for help while they learn how to take care of themselves. Not just for now, but for the future.
This blog is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical or mental health advice. If you have concerns about your child’s health or well-being, please consult a qualified healthcare or mental health professional.
