Opening Up About Mental Health: Scarier than Halloween?
Happy Halloween!
This is a holiday that most people associate with trick-or-treating, scary movies, and haunted houses. However, for some teens, the fear aspect is real and debilitating...including the fear of telling someone that they need help.
Telling someone about your depression and anxiety to someone, especially the first time, can be nerve-wracking. You never know how they will react, and there’s often the worry about stigma. Here are a few things you should bear in mind when if your teen tells you that they are depressed or anxious.
Always remember that it is your teen's personal choice when it comes to sharing information about their mental condition. Don't pressure them into saying something if you suspect they are having difficulties. If your teen has expressed that they have problems with their mental health, that means they trust you.
Your teen has possibly spent a lot of time practicing telling you beforehand. It’s normal to be nervous when it comes to sharing such details with anyone. Make sure to let your teen know that you know how difficult it was to share this information, and that you appreciate them and are proud of them.
When your teen talks to someone about their mental health, they will want to do so in a place where they can feel safe and comfortable. Don't be surprised if it seems to come out of nowhere, such as during a car ride, doing the dishes, and so on. To your teen, this seems like the best place to tell you.
Make sure to not make your teen feel demotivated or insulted. In the big moment when your teen tells you about their depression or anxiety, the only thing that matters to them in that second is how you react. Take a moment to breathe and ground yourself, and remain calm. A measured response will help your teen continue to feel safe talking to you.
This spooky season, we don't want you or your teen to live in fear. Click the "Schedule Now" button to set up an appointment with us. And have a safe and fun Halloween!
