Factsheet 3: How to Approach a Young Person About Their Mental Health Take a Moment If you notice signs that a young person may be experiencing poor mental health you don't need to "fix" the problem—you just need to open the door. Starting a conversation about mental health with young people can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure how they’ll respond. Before starting, take a moment to check in with yourself. If you’re feeling anxious, frustrated, or unsure, they may pick up on it and hesitate to open up. Taking a few deep breaths or reflecting on what you want to say can help you approach the conversation with calmness and reassurance, creating a safer space for them to share.
Choose the Right Time and Place Picking the right moment will go a long way to making the interaction easier for both of you. Choose a time when you’re both calm and unlikely to be interrupted, and you’re in a quiet, comfortable setting. That may be at home, During a car ride, Shared activity can help, During a walk or In any place where they feel safe and at ease and won’t feel like they’re backed into a corner. A "side-by-side" approach—like going for a walk—can feel more comfortable than a formal face-to-face meeting. If in-person feels too hard, offer alternatives such as texting.