Opening Up: How to Talk About Mental Health with Friends and Family

Talking about mental health can be daunting, especially if you're not sure how to start the conversation or whom to talk to. If you're a young person struggling to find the right way to express what you're going through, you're not alone. Many find this step challenging, but opening up is a crucial part of your journey to wellbeing.

Here are some friendly tips to help you start this important conversation and find a trusted friend or adult to talk to.

1. Identify Someone You Trust

The first step in sharing your feelings and experiences is finding the right person to talk to. This could be a friend, family member, teacher, or coach—someone you feel understands you and can provide the support you need. Consider people who have been supportive of you in the past, or who have had experiences where they've shown great compassion and wisdom.

Traits of a Good Listener

When choosing this person, look for key qualities:

Empathy: They should be able to put themselves in your shoes and understand what you’re going through.

Non-judgmental: A good confidante won’t judge you or the feelings you're sharing.

Supportive: They should offer encouragement and make you feel supported.

Trustworthiness: Confidence that they will keep your discussions private is crucial.

2. Starting the Conversation

Choose the Right Time and Place

Set up a private time to talk

Ensure you won’t be interrupted or overheard. A calm, private setting can make the conversation feel more comfortable and safe. You could start by saying something like, “Can we talk? I’ve been going through some tough times and really need someone to talk to.”

Prepare What You Want to Say

It can help to think a little about what you want to say before the conversation. You don't need a script, but having a few key points in mind can help you keep the conversation clear and make sure you cover the most important things. You might start with how you've been feeling lately and any specific situations that have been challenging for you.

Be direct and honest

It’s okay to be nervous, and it’s okay to say so. Opening up by expressing your feelings straightforwardly can help set the tone for an open, honest dialogue.

Use "I" Statements

When you talk about your feelings, use "I" statements like "I have been feeling," "I am experiencing," or "I feel like." This helps keep the conversation focused on your feelings and avoids blame or assumptions about others' actions.

Don’t Rush

Take your time during the conversation. It might be a lot for the other person to take in, especially if this is the first time they're hearing about your struggles. Allow them some time to process the information.

Be Ready for Different Reactions

People react differently to hearing about mental health struggles. Some might be very supportive, while others might not understand right away. Prepare yourself for various reactions, but remember that this doesn’t reflect your worth or the validity of your feelings.

3. Communicating Your Needs

Letting someone know what you need from them can guide how they can help you:

Listening ear: Sometimes, you might just need them to listen, not to offer advice or solutions.

Advice: If you're looking for guidance, specify that you'd appreciate their thoughts or suggestions.

Help finding further support: They might assist you in finding professional help if you think you need it.

4. Follow Up

After your conversation, consider following up with the person you talked to. This can reinforce that you appreciate their support and keep the lines of communication open for future discussions.

5. Know When to Seek Professional Help

If you feel overwhelmed, it might be time to talk to a mental health professional. There’s no shame in seeking help. Mental health professionals are trained to offer support and can provide strategies that improve your wellbeing.

Remember, You're Not Alone

Many people find discussing mental health challenging, but having a trusted person to talk to can make a significant difference in managing your well-being. Each conversation you have builds your confidence and helps lessen the stigma around mental health.

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