Mental health discussions can be sensitive, and sometimes it just seems easier to avoid them. Stigmas and longstanding concerns about equitable treatment make broaching mental health topics even harder in the Black community. 

But addressing mental health topics is critical, especially for Black parents hoping to lay a strong foundation for their children. Children can feel empowered to talk about emotions and stress if they understand that it’s valuable and healthy to do so. 

As a parent, you need to be ready to start these discussions. Read on to find five helpful ways to handle mental health conversations with your children.

1. Help Your Children Feel Comfortable

When you want your children to open up, they need to feel like they have a safe space in which to do so. That means creating an accepting environment where children know they can speak freely, without fear of being yelled at or grounded.

It’s best to lead with gentle questions that invite children to open up. You can try, “Can you tell me what’s wrong?” Give your child space to start speaking, and avoid interrupting them. In some cases, your child might not be ready to share, and it’s important to be understanding if they communicate as much. 

Let them know you’re always available and follow through on that commitment when they are ready. 

2. Be Transparent

Keep in mind that your children are watching your actions as an example. When you’re open about your own feelings and struggles, they’ll be listening. And they might be more inclined to open up, as well. 

You can tell them that you had a tiring day at work, for instance, or you felt sad because you haven’t seen your siblings in a while. These kinds of interactions promote a more open, honest approach to communication. 

You’ll help normalize the idea that admitting to challenges or defeats is okay. And in situations where seeking professional help is necessary, you can let your children know that options are available. Programs like Sophros Recovery Tampa offer care to those who need it, as well as tools to help parents talk with children about mental health issues. 

3. Normalize Mental Health Topics

Don’t limit mental health discussions to special situations. Make a point of talking about feelings openly at any moment. Even dinner table conversations can be an appropriate time to delve into emotions if it feels right. Use television shows or books as other prompts to encourage openness. 

For instance, if a show features a character who seems worried, ask how your child responds to the behavior. Perhaps more importantly, ask your child to explain what they would do in a similar scenario. 

In that moment, you’ll have an opportunity to help guide them toward a patient and sympathetic reaction that could come into play in their life. You’ll help them build a sense of empathy and awareness as they navigate emotions.

4. Be Open About Inequities

For Black children, the circumstances will be more challenging when it comes to handling mental health issues. Pervasive issues like racism mean that mental health services may not be as robust as those available to other populations. Further, racism can close off opportunities, giving Black children more obstacles to overcome as they reach adulthood.

It’s important to acknowledge these problems. But it’s also important to empower your children so they know it’s okay to feel frustrated, discouraged, or angry. They’ll be able to take ownership of their feelings and understand what triggers them. In response, your children can take this enhanced self-awareness and use it to propel them forward.

5. Encourage Professional Help

Make sure your children know that professional services, like counseling, can be a helpful tool to manage their mental health. Therapy is not a sign of weakness. Rather, it shows an ability to tune into your feelings and realize when you need outside help from individuals trained to offer it. 

In some Black families, this way of thinking is not the norm. Traditional ways of thinking prioritize internalizing feelings to avoid feeling like a burden or outcast. As a parent, you have a chance to intervene and reposition professional help as a positive choice that can be essential for healing. 

Talk About Mental Health

Mental health topics don’t need to be shielded from your children. It’s always better to be honest and clear about your feelings so your children know it’s normal to do that, as well. 

You’ll set the tone for future conversations and help your children find value in expressing how they feel. All of this contributes to a healthier, happier life for your children – and one where they know that asking for help is a sign of strength.