As we honor Suicide Prevention Month, it’s essential to recognize the importance of open communication with children about mental health. Much like adults, kids experience emotional challenges. But they may struggle to understand or express their feelings. This makes it vital for parents, caregivers, and educators to engage in conversations that normalize discussions about mental health, emotions, and the importance of seeking help. Encouraging kids to talk about how they feel—without judgment—helps foster emotional awareness and resilience, which are key factors in preventing mental health issues from escalating.
One of the best ways to approach mental health conversations with children is through age-appropriate language that they can understand. For younger kids, this might mean explaining emotions using simple terms like “feeling sad” or “feeling worried” and reinforcing that it’s okay to have these feelings. With older children and teens, you can discuss more complex topics like stress, anxiety, and depression. Normalizing these conversations, actively listening, and offering support without immediately trying to “fix” their feelings creates a safe space for them to express themselves. Let them know it’s okay to ask for help—whether that means talking to you, a teacher, or a counselor.
Examples of conversation starters:
- Do you know that it’s okay to ask for help when things feel really hard?
- Sometimes we feel sad or anxious, and that’s okay. What are some things that help you feel better when that happens?
- Do you know who you can talk to if you’re feeling sad or worried?
- What are some ways you think we can take care of our mental health, just like we take care of our bodies?
- What do you do when you’re feeling sad or overwhelmed?
Teaching kids about mental health also involves modeling healthy coping mechanisms. Share strategies like journaling, mindfulness, or physical activity as ways to manage difficult emotions. Remind children that seeking professional help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and that mental health is just as important as physical health. By nurturing open, supportive dialogue, we can help reduce the stigma around mental health and empower kids to feel safe in seeking the care they need.
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