Mental Health Conversations: The Complete Guide

What is a mental health conversation?

A mental health conversation essentially entails opening up about one's mental health and any issues or distresses that an individual is experiencing at the moment.^[1] This conversation can also involve discussing the actions that can be taken to improve the situation or find support.^[1]

Even though we have come a long way in destigmatising mental health and talking about mental health more openly, we still might find it difficult to start a conversation, especially with our parents.^[2]

Starting a mental health conversation can be a daunting task precisely because it was something that was heavily stigmatized and ignored in previous generations. In such a situation, having a structured approach can help kick-start the conversation safely.

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10 tips for mental health conversation starters

Starting a conversation about your mental health can feel intimidating. Here are ten practical ways to help you prepare and navigate these important discussions:

• edit_note 1. Write down and rehearse Talking about the challenges or difficulties can be quite overwhelming and therefore writing it down and rehearsing it in front of a mirror helps.^[6]
• health_and_safety 2. There is nothing wrong with you Asking for help isn't a sign of weakness, rather a sign of strength. Asking for help is a sign of resilience and you will be able to bounce back from the issue faster.^[7]
• hub 3. Communicate wider impacts Mental health, like physical health, affects our quality of life. Communicate clearly how mental health is affecting other arenas of your life like academics or relations with friends.^[8]
• record_voice_over 4. Speak to other supportive parents By speaking to another parent (like a friend's parent or a relative), one does not feel alone. It can also provide an alternate angle on how to approach your own parents.^[9]
• pan_tool_alt 5. It is not their fault Parents may not react the way we expect them to. Know that it is not their fault. If required, try again and talk to them about how you think the problem is impacting you and what you need.^[10]
• mood_bad 6. Don't get angry at negativity Parents might be having stressors of their own and therefore sometimes our voices of concern may not reach them initially. While approaching them, make sure they are calm and rested.^[11] Choose a comfortable, quiet environment.
• shield 7. When parents won't support There might be situations where parents won't respond favourably to what we are saying. While such an experience can be painful, talk about how you are at least interested in meeting a professional and if possible show some screening tests or assessments that show how much help you require. Parents might be dismissive because of fear or ignorance of the matter. Talk about the issues, explain in detail and most importantly stand up for yourself.^[12]
• family_history 8. When parents contribute to distress Very often one or both parents might cause mental distress and might be triggering our stress or anxiety. If one parent is causing distress, talk to the other parent, if you can trust them. Reach out to a trusted adult like your aunt, cousin or maybe friends and have a discussion with them on how to navigate this.^[13]
• volunteer_activism 9. When we feel like a burden A lot of adolescents might feel that they are burdening their parents by talking about their mental health issues and problems. Knowing that all of us face stress in our life and while being concerned is a good thing, it is important to stand up for yourself and reach out in the event of anguish.^[14]
• celebration 10. Do not worry about messing up Sometimes, even though we are prepared, things might not go as planned and that is completely okay. The important thing is to convey what you are feeling and that you need support, not how flawlessly you present it.^[15]

References & Citations

1. Community Conversations (MentalHealth.gov)
2. Talking about mental health (Mind.org.uk)
3. Primary caregivers as support (BelievePerform)
4. Accessing resources through parents (BelievePerform)
5. Mending relationships (BelievePerform)
6. Rehearsing conversations (Banyan Mental Health)
7. Asking for help is a sign of resilience (Child Mind Institute)
8. Communicating impacts on life (Child Mind Institute)
9. Speaking to other parents (KidsHealth)
10. It is not their fault (Child Mind Institute)
11. Approaching parents when calm (Child Mind Institute)
12. When parents won't support (MHA National)
13. When parents cause distress (MHA National)
14. Feeling like a burden (MHA National)
15. Don't worry about messing up (Child Mind Institute)