You Need to Talk to Your Kids About Mental Health… and Here’s Why

Mental health is a fast-rising concern in today’s fast-paced world, and it is only time that it has become so. In the USA alone in 2019, reports suggest that 44 million (18.07%) of American adults have had a mental health condition. Unfortunately, the youth have it worse. In the same year, 62% of teens and children with a major depressive episode received no treatment.

However, mental health is an issue which, in the past, has only concerned the adult population. The data above shows how imperative it is that adults, especially parents, become aware of their kid’s mental health condition. There is no doubt it. You need to talk to your kids about mental health, and here are the reasons why.

Awareness Regarding the Subject

As the saying goes, “You don’t need to be at your lowest to get help.” This can be said to hold as to the subject of talking to kids about mental health. For quite some time, they have been excluded from this all-important subject. Yet numerous studies reveal the need for parents to educate their children regarding this matter.

When the youth become aware of mental health and how it encompasses a vital part in their lives, they will know when, how, and where to ask for help. Consequently, you, as a parent, will be able to give them access to the help that they need.

Ending the Stigma Regarding Mental Health Awareness (Including Disorders and Illnesses)

Stigma has always accompanied those who happen to possess mental disorders and illnesses. Going to a psychiatric doctor has been treated with disdain since doing so often makes others think that a person has “gone nuts” or “has a few loose screws in his head.”  Parents should be the ones to break this misconception. It is essential that a kid knows of how seeing a mental health professional is just like going for treatment when someone is physically sick.

Being the Voice for Those Who are Afraid to Speak about the Subject

Speaking up about mental health has been a taboo in the past. People who are suffering, kids included, are silent simply because they are fearful of being considered as “different” or “odd.” Talking to your kids about the mental health benefits them a lot. It gives them the courage to speak out about the topic and become a voice for those who have been silent for the longest time.

Decreased Risk of Kids Being Involved in Future Crimes and Violence

Numerous studies have shown that people who aren’t given the treatment for their mental condition are prone to be victims of crime and violence. Not only that, but they can also be the perpetrators themselves. Being open with kids about mental health is one of how the formerly-mentioned scenarios can be reduced or even eliminated.

Better Quality of Living

It can’t be stressed enough. Mental health is just as important as physical health. Those who are reluctant to admit they have a mental condition often let the warning signs go unnoticed. In time, these signs may lead to actual physical illnesses. Letting kids know about how psychological health impacts their physical health is one more step to ensuring they have the best quality of living.

Empathize with Those Who are Suffering from Mental Health Conditions

No one is safe from having a mental health condition. Young and old, everyone can be afflicted with it. Talking to kids about their mental health can help them to understand that people who are suffering from it aren’t monsters to be avoided and feared. Instead, they are to be treated with respect and empathy.

After having read all the reasons why parents should discuss mental health with their kids, it’s now time to act on it. It’s not enough to know about something and not do anything about it. The progress may be slow, but as an adage goes, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

Do not wait until another becomes the victim. Talk about the discrimination that happens against those with mental conditions and tell them you will be happy to help. Educate your kid on its importance and guide them in dealing with people with a mental condition.