How to talk to youth about mental health NOW
Updated: Sep 8
Language changes conversations, conversations change interactions, interactions change outcomes and outcomes change lives. Having open and honest discussions about mental health is one of the most important things we can do to reduce stigma and it has the potential to save someone’s life.
In 2021 according to the CDC 4/10 students reported feeling persistently sad or hopeless and 1/3 reported experiencing poor mental health. 1/5 students report seriously considering suicide and 1 in 10 attempted suicide. According to US dept of Health and Human Services, 1/5 youth has a diagnosable mental health disorder.
The good news is that there are protective factors and the number one protective factor against developing a mental health disorder is having one trusted adult in their life.
So as trusted adults, how do we help our youth?
We act NOW
Notice
Open the Door
Who do we involve
We NOTICE warning signs. Warning signs are like that indicators on your car dash board that tell us something is wrong. Sometimes they are subtle. Sometimes they flash. We can't automatically tell what they mean or diagnose the issue but we do know they mean something is out of the ordinary and needs to be evaluated further.
Which means we need to OPEN THE DOOR and have a conversation.
To help us do this we apply SALVE
-Set the stage by having conversations early and often
-Approach and create a confortable space with words and actions
-Listen without judgement
-Validate feelings
-Encourage self care
Finally we have to think about WHO DO WE INVOLVE. Often times we need to connect the youth to professional help so that they get the services and support that they need to thrive.
Learn how to ACT NOW and apply SALVE by scheduling a 1-2 hr Mental Health Awareness Training for Parents in your community.
Sign up here to bring a training to your community.
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