How to Talk to Adults
About Mental Health
You deserve to get help if you need it. Talking to a trusted adult (like parents, guardians, teachers, counselors, doctors, etc.) can help you feel better and get more support if you need it. You don’t have to talk out loud, you can also write down what you want to say to share it with them.
If there is not an adult that you want to talk to, consider calling a help line. If you don’t have a phone, you could ask to borrow someone else’s to contact a helpline.
If you're feeling unsafe or need help, tell a trusted adult, contact your doctor's office, or call 988. You can call or text 988 any time of day or night to get support. If you have already done something to hurt yourself or end your life, please call 911 immediately.
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988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (available 24/7): You can call or text 988 any time, day or night, to speak confidentially with a 988 counselor.
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Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to speak with a counselor
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Talk to a peer on Teen Line: Call 800-852-8336 or text TEEN to 839863
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Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ youth): Call 866-488-7386 or text START to 678678
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Sometimes life can be overwhelming. Things like making sure to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night, not using your phone right before or after bed, eating healthy food, doing something active every day, and spending quality time with friends or family can help you stay physically healthy and improve your mood.
If you are struggling with your mental health or experiencing thoughts of suicide, sharing with your parent or guardian can help get you the support you need.
Here are a few tips for having this conversation.
Take some time to think about what you've been going through. It might be helpful to write down what you want to say or practice with a friend.
Ask your parent or guardian in advance about finding time to talk. You can say something like, “Hey, I’ve been going through some stuff, is there a good time I can talk to you?”
Find somewhere comfortable and away from other people or distractions. You could go on a walk, talk in your room, or sit somewhere outside.
It's okay to not know what to do next! Ask your parents if they can help you schedule an appointment with your doctor to get guidance on what to do.
What if I'm Not Ready to Talk to a Parent or Guardian?
It can be hard talking to a trusted adult about your mental health. Sometimes it's easier to try writing down or texting how you're feeling or what you want to say.
If you aren’t ready to talk to a parent or guardian, there are other trusted adults you can reach out to. You can try using a crisis line or talking to a different supportive adult, like a grandparent, older sibling, or someone else in your family. If your school has a school counselor you can also ask to meet with them, or you could reach out to a coach or teacher. As your healthcare team, we’re also available to talk! Just call or send a message to your doctor's office and we can schedule a time to talk more.