How to Talk to an Adult You Trust About Your Mental Health

There is nothing easy about being a teenager. There are a lot of teens who want emotional support or feel that they are struggling with a mental health issue, but they aren’t sure how to tell their parents, or they are afraid to bring it up. I get it. Telling someone that you’re facing something that feels really big, like anxiety or depression isn’t easy. If you’re feeling sad, alone, or have a problem that you feel like you can’t solve on your own, it is okay to ask for help from a trusted adult in your life. This can be your parents, a teacher, a coach, or a school counsellor. 

Don’t know what to say? That’s okay! Don't wait to talk just because you're not sure what to say. You can keep it simple. You can start just by saying, "Got a minute? I need to talk." Then say what's on your mind. The person you're talking to might ask you to tell them more. Sometimes, that's all it takes to get started talking.

You might be thinking, “there’s no way they could understand what I’m going through” or “they don’t know what its like”. Maybe they don’t. But they can listen, hear you out, and show you they care. Having someone to listen can feel like a huge relief and help you feel more hopeful. Whatever you’re struggling with, you don’t have to go through it alone. 

Here are some tips that might make having a conversation about your mental health with someone you trust a little easier.

Its okay to ask for help

•  experts say people who are successful in life are not those who don’t have any problems, but those who are good at getting help and rebounding from adversity.

Pick the right time and place

• Pick a low-key moment. It’s easier to talk when everyone is feeling comfortable. You don’t want to be competing for their attention.

Explain how you’re feeling, how it is affecting you, and tell them that you need their help.

If you need to, try again. Don’t wait.

• Sometimes it takes adults a little time to get the message. If you feel like you didn’t get the help you needed, try again. Try setting aside a specific time to talk or ask them when they are free to talk. Remember to tell them that its important. The sooner you ask for help, the sooner you’ll start feeling better, so don’t put the conversation off. You’ll be proud of yourself afterward, and feeling less alone can be a big relief.

Feel like you still need more help? The trusted adult in your life can help with that too. Sometimes it might be helpful to talk with a therapist, especially if you have had these feelings for a long time. The information you share with your therapist will be kept between the two of you, unless your therapist is worried about your safety. 

Even when you see a therapist, a trusted adult can still help in lots of ways. Talk to them about what you want their help with. Here are some of the things they can do:

• help you practice skills you learn in therapy
• remind you that they love and believe in you
• let you know they see the good in you, and are proud of you
• talk through problems with you
• help you get enough exercise, sleep, and healthy food
• do things with you that you both enjoy 

Everything you try and do to help yourself feel better counts.