Children’s Mental Health Matters: How to Explain Depression and Anxiety to Kids

How do you explain depression and anxiety to children in ways they can understand? In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, guest TJ shares his powerful story of living with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD—and why he made the decision to talk openly with his young son about mental health.

By breaking silence and stigma, TJ gave his child the tools to recognize emotions, ask questions, and understand that mental health struggles are not anyone’s fault. His experience shows that when we start mental health conversations early, we give children a foundation of compassion, resilience, and hope.

This episode is for parents, teachers, and caregivers who want to know how to talk to children about mental health in a safe, supportive, and age-appropriate way.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why children’s mental health should be prioritized as much as physical health.
• TJ’s personal journey with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD.
• The role of family openness in reducing stigma.
• How parental mental health affects children.
• Practical tips for explaining depression and anxiety to children.
• The importance of listening without judgment when kids share their feelings.
• Why early mental health conversations build resilience for the future.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction
 01:40 – Why children need open conversations about mental health
 03:25 – TJ’s experience with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD
 05:15 – Struggles with medication, treatment, and relapse
 06:36 – Suicide attempts and reaching a turning point
 07:19 – How TJ’s son noticed his struggles
 08:06 – Choosing to talk openly with his child about depression
 09:45 – Teaching kids that mental health struggles are not their fault
 10:41 – Using natural moments to start conversations
 11:30 – Explaining depression and anxiety in kid-friendly ways
 13:09 – Parents modeling openness and honesty
 14:59 – Helping kids feel safe sharing their emotions
 15:33 – Fighting stigma early through family conversations
 16:34 – Prioritizing children’s mental health alongside other life skills
 18:40 – Closing reflections and encouragement

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