{"id":29025,"date":"2024-07-31T18:01:42","date_gmt":"2024-07-31T18:01:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jedfoundation.org\/?page_id=29025"},"modified":"2024-07-31T18:04:22","modified_gmt":"2024-07-31T18:04:22","slug":"prepare-to-talk-to-teens-about-mental-health-tips","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/jedfoundation.org\/prepare-to-talk-to-teens-about-mental-health-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Talk to Teens About Mental Health: Tips to Prepare"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"A<\/p>\n

By Jessica Hicks<\/em><\/p>\n

Talking to your teen \u2014 or anyone, for that matter \u2014 about their mental health can be daunting. You may worry about how your teen will react when you approach them or how <\/span>you<\/span><\/i> will react if they share something upsetting or unexpected. You may even be concerned they won\u2019t open up at all<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

You may think the conversation will be wholly focused on your teen, but you play an important part in this situation too. How you feel going into the conversation matters to both your own well-being and the outcome of your talk.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s OK to feel anxious, upset, or unprepared when you decide to talk to your teen. Here are some ways you can manage the strong emotions you may be experiencing and feel ready to have a meaningful conversation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Be Aware of How You Feel\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

While your teen has struggled with their mental health, you\u2019ve likely been dealing with strong \u2014 maybe conflicting \u2014 emotions. You may be <\/span>deeply worried<\/span><\/a> about them and sad to see them go through a challenging time. On top of those difficult feelings, you also may be dealing with guilt or regret.<\/span><\/p>\n

Before diving into a conversation, it can be helpful to recognize how you feel and remind yourself it\u2019s common to have all sorts of emotions in this situation. Then you can lean on relevant coping strategies to feel more calm and centered. That may include going for a walk to clear your head, trying mindfulness exercises and meditation, talking to your therapist, or any other <\/span>self-care<\/span><\/a> strategies that feel good to you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Identify Support Ahead of Time<\/span><\/h2>\n

Don\u2019t wait until after you have the conversation to lean on your support network. Before talking to your teen, think about who in your life may be able to best support you, whether it\u2019s your partner, a friend, a family member, a therapist, or someone else. Talk to them ahead of time about what\u2019s going on and how you\u2019re feeling.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You also may look into mental health resources before talking to your teen, in the event they need professional support. Consider exploring mental health organizations in your community or through your teen\u2019s school. You can also check out JED\u2019s resources on <\/span>ways to get affordable mental health care<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>therapy resources for diverse identities<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Create a Conversation Plan<\/span><\/h2>\n

Going into the conversation with a plan may help you feel more at ease. You can:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n