Teens sometimes feel uncomfortable talking about personal problems and mental health concerns with their families, friends, or other adults in their lives. The stigma around having mental health struggles can add to worries about discussing their feelings and seeking help when needed.
How does stigma around mental health problems impact teens?
The feeling of being judged for having mental health problems can lead to increasing feelings of isolation and loneliness, delay in seeking help, or worsen ongoing mental health concerns. Many people who are worried about the stigma surrounding mental health problems delay seeking care, which can fuel the cycle of isolation and loneliness.
An adult who is worried about how family or friends may judge them for mental health concerns can arrange to receive help confidentially. For teenagers, it’s more complicated, since many of them rely on family members for access to care. In many parts of the country, teenagers require the consent of their parents or guardians to attend therapy. They may need an adult to drive them to appointments or pay for therapy. If these teens are worried about their caregivers judging them for seeking mental health assistance, they will delay or avoid asking for help, which can often lead to worsening problems.
For teens: How to start talking about your mental health
If you are a teenager or young adult experiencing mental health concerns, know that you are not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report from 2013–2023, in 2023, 40 percent of students had persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, 20 percent seriously considered attempting suicide and nine percent had attempted suicide.
Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health—and your friends and family members could be a good support system for you.
Get help for mental health emergencies
If you or a friend are experiencing a mental health emergency, call or text 988. For additional resources, visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness’ website.
To start talking about your mental health problems, identify a trusted adult who can listen, support, and help you access resources in your area. This adult may be a parent or caregiver, or they might be a family member or school counselor. You might also start by talking to your primary care physician. If figuring out what to say is holding you back, we have some tips on talking to your parent or a trusted adult about what is important to you.
Even if you have the support to seek mental health services and start working with a therapist, it can still be anxiety provoking in the beginning. Here are some ideas on how to navigate these appointments:
- Make a list of what you want to discuss. This helps to get the conversation started.
- Be as honest and open as possible. Therapy can feel awkward at first, but it’s a way to help understand what you’re experiencing.
- Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to voice questions as they come to you when you’re talking with your therapist.
- Accept the support as well as the feedback. Your therapist is there to support you.
Asking AI chatbots for help
Many people are using “artificial intelligence” (AI) chatbots every day for a variety of purposes. Depending on how and why you are using a chatbot, some can be helpful, and some are not.
When seeking advice or help from an AI chatbot for your mental health concerns, please remember that not all chatbots are the same. Chatbots are designed to keep us interacting with them and using the site. They can make mistakes and may also provide incorrect information. This can be concerning if you need immediate help or are in a crisis. The rules around privacy of the information you are sharing can also vary.
When in crisis or if you are experiencing a mental health emergency, it is important to call or text 988 for the National Suicide Hotline. In Rhode Island, you can also reach out to Kids' Link RI at 1-855-543-5465.
For Parents and Caregivers: Supporting teens with mental health concerns
Teenagers have stressors that are both unique and relatable. During this period, teens are going through developmental changes that can impact their mood, sleep and behaviors. However, if you notice that your teen appears depressed, is avoiding their friends, skipping school or is having trouble with school performance, they might benefit from consultation with their doctor, therapist or pediatrician.
If your teenager talks to you about a mental health concern, take a moment to listen and reflect on what this means for your child and for you. Listen carefully, with an open mind, and provide support. Creating a safe space to discuss difficult experiences and emotions can help encourage children and teens to talk about their problems with their family. You may also share your own feelings to help facilitate the conversation and make it easier to discuss. There is no single approach or right way to talk about mental health problems with your child.
How to get help for your child
Getting help for mental health disorders is vital for everyone. For teenagers struggling to ask for help due to stigma or other concerns, the adults in their lives can help by making them feel seen and heard.
To access help for an adolescent in a non-emergency situation, the Access Center at Bradley Hospital works with parents, schools, physicians, and community providers to help evaluate the needs of children and adolescents and determine which services would be most appropriate for them. To learn more about the different services and programs at Bradley Hospital, please visit our website.
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