Making Friends With Depression
Talking to Kids About Mental Health
Talking to kids about mental health is a fine balance of understanding your audience, and how much is too much to share.
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Episode Transcript
Hello, friends! Welcome back to another episode of Making Friends with Depression. Today, we dive deep into a topic that's often overlooked but holds paramount importance: talking to kids about mental health.
Understanding and addressing mental well-being has never been more crucial in a world of challenges and fast-paced change. But how do we broach such a sensitive topic with our little ones? How do we ensure they feel safe, validated, and empowered?
Today, I'll share 20 valuable guidelines to navigate this essential conversation, from normalizing these discussions to using stories as a bridge and ensuring our young ones always feel heard and supported.
So, whether you're a parent, teacher, guardian, or someone who has a young person in your life, this episode promises insights that could shape how you approach mental health with children.
Show Disclaimer
Hello friends, and welcome back to another edition of Making Friends with Depression. I am your host, Charles Minguez.
Quickly, at the top of the show, I'd like to take care of some housekeeping. Hey, listen. If you enjoy the show, please rate and review it on whatever podcast platform you listen on. It really helps drive the show up the charts.
You can also support the show by picking up some Making Friends With Depression merch. There are some really cool hoodies, t-shirts, and coffee mugs. Or become a patron for as little as $1 a month. All proceeds go directly to supporting the show and cover the cost of web and podcast hosting.
You can find links for the merch store, Patreon, etc., in the show notes and over at Making Friends With Depression dot com.
Before we dive into the show, I want to share some background information so you know why I'm doing this podcast and where I'm coming from.
My History With Depression and Mindfulness
My history with depression and mindfulness goes something like this. I've lived most of my life with major depression and schizoaffective disorder. I was first diagnosed at 13, and I'm now in my 40's. So, mental illness and wellness have been a big part of my life.
I have spent over twenty years studying mindfulness. I started with yogic philosophy at the Yoga Life Institute. But over time, I found my way to Buddhism. I'm a practicing Buddhist and sometimes teach beginner meditation classes.
As my healing progressed, I volunteered with the National Alliance on Mental Illness, also known as NAMI, and facilitated meetings for adults experiencing poor mental wellness.
My story, plus my lived experience, is something that I hope others find inspirational. My motivation, however, is to give back and help others. This podcast is one way that I can do that.
I Am Not a Therapist
But listen, I'm not a therapist or a counselor. The content on this show is not meant to be taken as medical advice. I'm only trying to inspire hope by sharing my story and the techniques that helped me during my healing process because you'll find them helpful.
Talking to Kids About Mental Health
I first wrote about this on the Good Men Project a few years back. At the time, my oldest son was about the same age I was when I was hospitalized for the first time. But now I have a ten-year-old and a three-year-old, so I need to adapt how I talk to them about mental health.
Talking to kids about mental health is essential, as it lays the foundation for understanding, empathy, and self-awareness as they grow older. Here are some guidelines to help you navigate this vital conversation:
20 Ways to Talk to Kids About Mental Health
Start Early and Keep It Age-Appropriate: Begin discussing feelings and emotions with children when they are young, and adjust the complexity of the conversation as they mature.
Normalize the Conversation: Make discussions about feelings and mental well-being a regular part of your interactions, not just something that comes up when there's a problem.
Use Simple Language: For younger children, it's okay to simplify concepts. For instance, explaining that sometimes people's "minds feel sick" just like bodies do.
Validate Their Feelings: Emphasize that all feelings are valid. It's okay to feel sad, angry, or scared. What's important is how we handle and express those feelings.
Share Personal Stories (when appropriate): Sometimes, sharing your experiences or feelings can help them relate and understand that they aren't alone.
Ask Open-Ended Questions: Instead of asking "Are you okay?" consider asking "How did you feel when that happened?" or "What's on your mind?"
Be Patient: Children might only sometimes have the vocabulary or understanding to express their feelings. Give them time.
Avoid Making Assumptions: Don't jump to conclusions about how they feel. Let them share in their own words.
Use Books and Stories: Many children's books touch upon emotions and mental health. Reading together can be a great way to spark a conversation.
Promote Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Discuss and demonstrate ways to handle stress, like deep breathing, physical activity, art, or talking to someone they trust.
Educate about Stigma: Let them know there's no shame in seeking help or having mental health concerns. This can empower them to speak up when they need support.
Be a Role Model: Show them it's okay to take mental health days, to see a therapist, or to practice self-care.
Encourage Expression: Whether through art, writing, or talking, let your child know it's beneficial to express their feelings.
Have Resources Available: If a child is curious or needs help, have age-appropriate resources or contacts (like school counselors) on hand.
Reiterate Your Support: Make sure they know you're there for them, no matter what they're feeling or going through.
Stay Updated: As children grow and society evolves, new challenges related to mental health can emerge. Stay educated to support them best.
Limit Exposure to Distressing News: Be mindful of what children see or hear in the media. Use any exposure as an opportunity to discuss and process feelings.
Seek Professional Help When Needed: Consult a professional for guidance and support if you're concerned about your child's mental well-being.
Practice Active Listening: Sometimes, kids need someone to listen without offering solutions or judgments.
Reassure Safety: Children often find comfort in knowing they're safe and adults are around to help them navigate their feelings.
Navigating the Journey of Kids' Mental Health
Talking to kids about mental health isn't just important. It's a loving act of care and understanding. Remember those 20 golden rules? Start chatting when they're young, keep it age-friendly, and let's make these chats as regular as our bedtime stories. It's all about maintaining relatable things, maybe with a cool story or two, and always letting them know their feelings are valid.
Hey, we're all learning, right? So, we must be our own role models, stay in the know, and sometimes get some expert advice. And above all, let's ensure our kiddos always feel they have a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on. After all, we're in this together, navigating the wild journey of feelings and growing up!
Support the Show
Thanks for being here. I appreciate you listening. If you'd like to learn more about what was discussed in today's episode, visit my website, Making Friends With Depression. You'll find today's show transcript and resources.
If you enjoy the show's content and want to stay updated on all the latest and greatest things happening here at Making Friends With Depression, join the Newsletter. You'll find a link in the show notes.
Okay, thanks again, and until next time, friend, many blessings!