Talking about mental health can be difficult, especially when we are worried about saying the wrong thing. But avoiding the conversation can leave children and teens feeling as though they have to manage difficult emotions on their own.
Suicide Prevention Month is an important reminder that creating a culture of support begins with making it safe to talk. Caregivers, families, educators, and other trusted adults can help young people understand that asking for help is a sign of strength and that difficult feelings deserve attention.
Why Talking About Mental Health Matters
Young people need to know that conversations about mental health are a normal part of caring for ourselves and one another.
When adults talk openly about emotions, stress, and asking for help, they reduce the stigma that can keep a child from speaking up. Just as importantly, regular conversations allow caregivers to notice when something has changed.
The goal is not to have one perfect conversation. It is to create an environment where a young person knows they can come back and talk again.
Know When a Young Person May Need More Support
Every child responds differently to stress, but significant or lasting changes in behavior can signal that something is wrong. Pay attention to changes such as:
- Withdrawing from friends, family, or favorite activities
- Expressing hopelessness or feeling like a burden
- Significant changes in sleep, eating, or energy
- Increased anger, anxiety, sadness, or emotional distress
- Giving away meaningful possessions or saying goodbye unexpectedly
- Talking, writing, or posting about death, suicide, or wanting to disappear
Take concerns seriously, particularly when several warning signs appear together, or a behavior represents a significant change for that young person.
Starting the Conversation
Caregivers do not need special training to show a child that they are available to listen. Start with what you have noticed and give them room to respond.
You might say, “You haven’t seemed like yourself lately. How are you doing?” or “I’ve noticed you’ve been spending more time alone. Is there something you want to talk about?”
Keep the conversation appropriate for the child’s age and focus on listening rather than immediately trying to solve the problem. Avoid minimizing their feelings, even when the situation may seem manageable from an adult perspective.
If you are concerned about suicide, it is important to ask directly whether the young person is thinking about suicide or harming themselves. Asking the question does not put the idea in someone’s mind. It can open the door for an honest conversation and help connect them with immediate support.
Build a Community Where Asking for Help Is Normal
Suicide prevention is not the responsibility of one person. Families, schools, friends, neighbors, and community organizations can all help create environments where young people feel noticed and valued.
That starts with checking in, listening without judgment, respecting different experiences, and taking changes in behavior seriously. It also means knowing where to turn when someone’s needs are greater than the support we can provide ourselves.
At Key Assets Kentucky, creating safe, supportive environments is central to our work with youth in the Children in Community Care (CCC) program. Every young person deserves to know that their experiences matter and that there are people ready to listen.
Know Where to Turn
You do not have to wait until you are certain there is a crisis to seek help. If a young person is struggling, reach out to a trusted healthcare professional, school resource, or other qualified professional for guidance.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health or suicide crisis, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If there is an immediate life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
A conversation may feel like a small step, but it can be an important one. By listening, noticing, and making it safe to ask for help, we can build communities where young people know they do not have to face difficult moments alone.