How to Talk to Kids About Mental Health: Starting Conversations Early

Starting mental health conversations with children can feel intimidating—but avoiding them can leave kids unprepared and alone with their struggles. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, guest TJ shares why he chose to talk openly with his son about depression, anxiety, and PTSD, and how those conversations helped build understanding, trust, and resilience.

You’ll hear TJ’s powerful story of survival, his lessons on overcoming stigma, and his belief that the earlier we start teaching kids it’s okay to talk about feelings, the stronger and healthier future generations will be.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or loved one, this episode will give you tools and hope for creating safe spaces for kids to discuss emotions and mental health without shame.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why it’s important to start mental health conversations with children early.
• How TJ’s lived experience with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD shaped his parenting.
• The impact of parental mental health on children’s wellbeing.
• Overcoming stigma by making emotions and mental health safe to talk about.
• Strategies for explaining depression and anxiety to kids without overwhelming them.
• Why listening without judgment is key when kids open up.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to the episode
 01:40 – Why families should normalize conversations about mental health
 03:25 – TJ’s personal journey with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD
 05:15 – Struggles with medication, treatment, and relapse
 06:36 – Suicide attempts and the turning point for seeking help
 07:19 – How TJ’s son noticed changes in his father’s mental health
 08:06 – Why TJ decided 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 about emotions
 11:30 – Explaining depression and anxiety to children in an age-appropriate way
 13:09 – Why parents need to model openness and honesty
 14:59 – Encouraging kids to share feelings without shame
 15:33 – Fighting stigma by teaching children early
 16:34 – Prioritizing kids’ mental health as much as other safety lessons
 18:40 – Final reflections and takeaways

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