Tips on How to Support a Young Person with Their Mental Health
Whether you are a parent or someone who has regular contact with young individuals.
Mental health refers to the way we think, behave and feel. Like their physical health, children’s mental health can change over time, and any child or young person can experience mental health difficulties.
From a parent’s perspective – how to support your child 
A parent’s first instinct is to protect their child from difficult feelings, but no-one can escape stress, risks, adversities and challenges altogether; these are all part of life. Our role as parents is to help our children build their coping skills, model behaviour by showing them how we cope, help them learn how to talk about their feelings and how to ask for help if they need it.
Healthy habits. Eating well, exercising and getting enough sleep are key ways to look after their bodies and are also vital for their mental health.
Role-modelling. Show your child that it’s OK to have strong feelings, how you cope with and manage these feelings, and how you can do things to look after yourself.
Building resilience. By creating consistent routines to help them challenge themselves and push their limits, parents can assist their child to cope better and bounce back from difficulties.
Communicating. Talk about feelings regularly with your child, so that it is easier for them to approach discussing difficult emotions as the lines of communication are already open. ‘Check in’ with them regularly while you’re doing things together.
Safe internet use. Technology is constantly changing, but it is important to talk to your child about the importance of switching off and recognising how online content can make them feel.
Having a conversation with a teenager about mental health, maybe you are a teacher! 
Sometimes it can be difficult to start a conversation with a teenager, especially if it is related to a difficult topic or about their mental health. It is always important to plan your approach carefully;; choose a time and place that is convenient for both of you, that is private and where you will not be disturbed. Always ask if the teenager is ok to talk to you about their mental health or if there is someone else that they would feel more comfortable to talk to. It is important that they feel comfortable and able to trust the person they are talking to. Remember that a teenager may hide or downplay their problem if they feel guilty about upsetting or disappointing you. They may also worry that opening up about their problems may be seen as a vulnerability or weakness.
It is important that you are being yourself as it is easy to spot if someone is not focused or not interested in listening to you. Set aside your concerns and commit to giving your full attention. Remember that we are all unique and it is important to listen to their experience, environment and needs. Treat them with respect, empathy and make sure that you are being completely non-judgemental. Take the time to build a rapport with them, be caring and show warmth.
Be aware of not only the teenagers body language, but also yours, as it is important that you are not giving off a negative impression.
Be patient and calm while the teenager is talking about their feelings.
Listen to the teenager without expressing judgement, validate what they are feeling without agreeing or disagreeing with their thoughts or behaviours.
Ask open-ended questions (i.e. questions that cannot be simply answered with ‘yes’ or ‘no’) to find out more about their thoughts and feelings and the problems behind these.
Show you are listening by summarising what the person is saying.
Clarify important points with the person to make sure they are fully understood.
Express empathy for the person.
WHAT NOT TO DO
Don’t…
• … minimise the person’s problems
• … interrupt with stories of your own
• … communicate a lack of interest or negative attitude through your body language
• … attempt to give the person a diagnosis of a mental illness
Before discussing possible courses of action, you need to listen attentively and sensitively to the teenager and give them time to fully express themselves and explore their issues. When giving advice do not judge the situation on what you would do yourself, but ask what they would think would be helpful. What are some of the options and the consequences of each option?
If you would like to learn more about youth mental health, how to approach, assess and assist, as well as what to say and what not to say – please visit our website for more information about the courses we offer, or contact [email protected] for more information.
