Parent Central: How to Speak with Your Kid About Mental Health

Anxiety and depression have been part of my normal for as long as I can remember. I was a kid when I started struggling, only no one really gave me the words to understand what I was experiencing. Instead, medication was prescribed and everything else was pretended away.

At least, by the adults around me.

Nearly 30 years later, I understand that my parents were doing the best they could with the knowledge they had.

Our parent’s generation lacked the mental illness and mental health awareness that today’s generation of parents has.

But just because there’s less shame surrounding mental health conditions today, and we may be less inclined to hide these issues, doesn’t mean it’s magically easier to speak with kids about mental illness and the importance of mental health.

Whether you want to speak with your kid about?mental health?in general, about their mental health, yours, or a loved one’s, we know those conversations can be tough. But we also know how important they are. Which is why we want to help you have them in a healthy and productive way.

Check out the full story on PsychCentral. And let me know if you'd like me to write a story for your publication.