Mental health includes emotional well-being, stress management, relationships, and how we cope with challenges. Everyone experiences ups and downs, especially during adolescence.

Struggling with mental health does not mean something is “wrong.” It means a child may need support — just like they would for a physical health concern.

Adolescence is a time of rapid emotional, social, and physical change. Stress, pressure, and uncertainty can impact how young people feel and behave.

Early, supportive conversations can:

• Help children feel less alone
• Reduce stigma and shame
• Encourage help-seeking behaviors
• Strengthen trust between parents and children

Talking early and often makes it easier to talk when things feel harder.

Signs can look different for every child and may change over time.

Emotional or behavioral signs

• Withdrawal from family or friends
• Irritability, anger, or mood swings
• Increased anxiety or worry
• Loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy

Physical or school-related signs

• Changes in sleep or appetite
• Frequent headaches or stomachaches
• Difficulty concentrating
• Declining school performance

One sign alone doesn’t mean there’s a serious problem. Patterns and changes over time matter most.

You don’t need a “big talk.” Simple check-ins can open the door.

Helpful principles:

• Choose a calm, private moment
• Lead with curiosity, not conclusions
• Listen more than you talk
• Validate feelings, even if you don’t fully understand them

Your goal isn’t to fix everything — it’s to let your child know they’re not alone.

These are examples — not scripts. Use language that feels natural to you.

Example 1: A Gentle Check-In

Parent:

“I’ve noticed you seem a little quieter lately. How have things been feeling for you?”

Why this works: Observes without accusing.

Example 2: Normalizing Feelings

Parent:

“A lot of people feel overwhelmed sometimes — especially with everything going on. You don’t have to handle it on your own.”

Example 3: If a Child Shrugs or Says “I’m Fine”

Parent:

“Okay. If that ever changes, I want you to know I’m here and ready to listen.”

Why this works: Leaves the door open without pressure.

Example 4: When a Child Shares Something Hard

Parent:

“Thank you for telling me. That took courage. How can I support you right now?”

If concerns persist or begin to affect your child’s daily life, reaching out for help is a positive step.

Support can come from:

• School counselors or trusted school staff
• Healthcare providers
• Mental health professionals
• Community or youth support organizations

Asking for help is a sign of strength — for parents and children alike.

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
  Call or text 988 for 24/7 support for individuals in emotional distress
• Nationwide Children’s Hospital – Behavioral Health Resources
  https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/specialties/behavioral-health
• CDC – Children’s Mental Health
  https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth
• NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
  https://www.nami.org
• Kids Mental Health Foundation
  Resources for anxiety, technology and social media
  https://www.kidsmentalhealthfoundation.org/mental-health-resources/anxiety
  https://www.kidsmentalhealthfoundation.org/mental-health-resources/technology-and-social-media

You don’t have to get this perfect. Showing up, listening, and staying connected matters more than having the “right” words.

Mental health conversations aren’t one-time talks — they’re ongoing.

• Set clear expectations
• Discuss safe ways to handle pressure
• Model healthy coping strategies