Blog article

Talking to your teen about mental health

By HBF
4 minutes
4 October 2023
Father talking to son on basketball court
Caring for your teen’s mental health is important. So, what’s the most effective approach for starting a conversation about how they’re feeling?

It’s common for teenagers to have occasional periods of low moods and poor motivation. If these symptoms continue for more than a few weeks, it may be a sign of an underlying problem that requires attention and support.

“Chatting to your teen about their mental health may feel daunting,” says psychologist, Dr Marny Lishman, “But supporting them in seeking an approach that works for them is a step in the right direction.”

Mental health issues can be caused by things such as:


In this article


Mental health issues for teenagers

According to Beyond Blue and Black Dog Institute, adolescents commonly experience mental health conditions, with over 40 percent of Year 12 students reporting anxiety and depression symptoms.1 Major depressive disorders have a prevalence of 5% among those aged 12 to 17 years.2

Additionally, around 20 percent of adolescents aged 11 to 17 experience significant psychological distress.3

Signs to be aware of

Dr Lishman says there are warning signs that your teen may be struggling, these are some to be aware of:

When should you start talking to your teen

If you have concerns about your child's mental health, start a conversation with them as soon as possible. Engaging in open dialogue about their emotions and wellbeing shows them that you genuinely care and want to help.

There are several ways you might like to start a conversation.

“If it's not something that’s been discussed before, just opening up a private conversation with your teen on a walk, in the car, or even doing an activity together is a good place to start,” says Dr Lishman.

Suggestions for conversation starters include:

“How are you going?”

“I’ve noticed you are quieter than usual”

“Are you okay?”

“I’m sensing that …”

“How do you feel this morning?”

Alternatively, ask open-ended questions to encourage your teen to be open about their lives. 

“What happened on your work shift today?

“What did you and your friends do today?”

“What are you learning about in science?”

What to consider when talking to your teen

When it comes to discussing your teen's mental health, it's important to approach the conversation with care and thoughtfulness. Dr Lishman lists the below as possibly helpful when considering a new conversation with your teen.  

The importance of self-care

Dr. Lishman emphasises the significance of self-care for mental health.

“Encouraging your teen to prioritise themselves can greatly contribute to their overall well-being,” she says.

Things that can help include:4

How can you encourage your kids to ask for help

It’s never too early to start talking about mental health. Open communication from early on can make things easier.

“Talk about mental health just like you do physical health,” says Dr Lishman. “Openly discuss what you can all do as a family to be healthier, and what needs to happen if you don’t feel good physically or mentally.

The more we are open, honest and vulnerable about how we feel, the more we are comfortable in opening up when we don’t feel good.”

Helpful resources

How can HBF help?

At HBF, we know how important your family’s physical and emotional health is to you.

Urgent support links and phone lines
24 hours, 7 days


Beyond Blue - Issues for young people

Black Dog Institute - Youth mental health

Beyond Blue - Statistics

Raising Children - Teen Mental Health


This article contains general information only and does not take into account the health, personal situation or needs of any person. In conjunction with your GP or treating health care professional, please consider whether the information is suitable for you and your personal circumstances.

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