Mental health has emerged as a critical issue in recent years, gaining widespread attention and a strong call for greater recognition and support.
For teens, however, the fear of judgment and criticism often hinders them in speaking about their mental health concerns. They may worry about how these conversations could affect their relationships with parents, or fear being seen as incapable of handling their own lives. Adolescence is a period marked by a transition in which children often have to deal with adapting to the confusion and navigation of rapid change, making it an especially challenging time mentally, physically, and emotionally.
This time can be stressful both for children and their carers as, during this developmental period, individuals are and working out one’s identity. This may mean disagreeing with parents and family, not just to be difficult, but in establishing themselves as separate beings. In some families, this push for separateness is accepted and allowed whereas in others, being individualistic may create challenges or conflict, in being viewed as going against family expectations in which disagreement is not encouraged.
The best schools in Bangalore recognise that it is crucial to approach the mental health of young people with empathy and openness, recognising that their struggles are valid and deserving of support.
Either way, talking to teens about mental health can be tricky. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind.
Ways to Encourage Open Dialogue with Your Child about Mental Health
Either way, talking to teenage children about mental health can be tricky. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind.
Create a Safe and Open Space
To encourage your child to open up about their true feelings, it’s essential to suspend judgment. As parents, we are deeply invested in guiding our children and protecting them, which can sometimes lead us to jump to conclusions when they share their experiences. However, when children sense that their parents may react too quickly or emotionally, they may withdraw. Each time they consider confiding in us, they mentally assess what kind of response to expect based on past experiences. If they anticipate anger, anxiety, or stress, they may hold back from sharing.
This isn’t to suggest that parents shouldn’t experience strong emotions —of course, what your teen may open up to share may evoke a protective reaction. Still, it’s important to listen fully before reacting, allowing them to express themselves without fear of immediate judgment.
Choose the Right Time
Pay attention to your child’s body language and mood. If you attempt to initiate a conversation about mental or emotional well-being and your teen seems distant or unresponsive, it might not be the right time. They could be preoccupied with something else, such as school or a personal issue. While it may feel disheartening if they don’t engage the way you hoped, remember that their lack of enthusiasm may have little to do with you. Try again at another time, when they are more open to talking.
Be Relevant
Although previous generations may not have explicitly discussed mental health, today’s teens are constantly exposed to terms like ‘gaslighting,’ ‘depression,’ and ‘trauma dumping’ through social media. Lacking proper context, they may turn to platforms like Instagram for guidance, where these terms are frequently used. Because of this, it is advantageous for parents to engage in conversations about mental health. When teens see that their parents are aware of these issues, it fosters a sense of connection and reinforces trust. This connection is key to building a bridge for more meaningful conversations in the future.
Make Time
If you notice that your teen seems off or is struggling emotionally, set aside time to be with them. You don’t have to ask directly what’s wrong—sometimes, just your presence speaks volumes. Although teens may not rely on you in the same way as younger children, they still need to know that they are important enough for you to pause the demands of everyday life to spend time with them. Whether it’s playing a game or watching a show together, your willingness to be there will make a significant impact.
Being one of the best International schools in Bangalore, Legacy School fosters these open, supportive conversations, we help teens navigate the complexities of mental health with a sense of understanding and compassion.