Approximately one in five U.S. adults and one in six adolescents experiences mental illness. With so many people going through a similar experience, it’s time to talk about mental health. Although attitudes toward mental health are changing, talking about it still isn’t easy for many people.

Why Is it Important to Talk About Mental Health?

One of the most important reasons to start talking about mental health is to counteract the stigma associated with it. Mental illness has long carried a stigma, which is harmful, as it prevents people from getting the help they need. The more people open up about it, the less taboo it becomes as a subject.

On an individual and personal level, talking about mental health improves relationships and leads to diagnoses and needed treatments. It can even be life-saving as thenumber of people having serious suicidal thoughts increases.

General Tips for Talking About Mental Health

How you approach the subject of mental health depends on the audience. How you talk to your partner is different from how you would broach the subject with a child or parent. Some things are universal, though:

• Avoid talking to someone when they’re in the middle of a crisis or under the influence.
• Be a good listener and reserve judgment.
• Acknowledge a person’s feelings and don’t tell them to get over it or snap out of it.
• Respect their privacy and don’t share the conversation with others.
• Offer to help the person get an appointment for an evaluation or treatment.

How to Talk to Your Partner About Their Mental Health

If you’re concerned about your partner’s mental health, approach the conversation with concern, not pity or judgment. Let them know you’re worried and outline the specific behaviors that concern you.

Try to avoid getting overly emotional and don’t blame them. Offer to listen or understand if they would rather talk about it with someone else. Be prepared to open up about your own mental health struggles, so you’re both sharing and being vulnerable.

Ideally, you will have done some research ahead of time. For instance, if you think they are struggling with depression, come prepared with knowledge about the condition, resources, and options for what to do next.

How to Talk to Children About Mental Health

It’s a great idea to be open with children about mental health whether or not you see any issues. Being open now means they will attach less stigma to the topic. Validate a child’s feelings, even while you discuss any inappropriate behaviors.

Reassure the child that mental health challenges are not their fault. Be honest with them about what mental illness is, but keep the information age-appropriate.

How to Talk About Mental Health at Work

Mental health can be a very tricky topic with a boss or coworkers. First of all, know that you do not have to disclose a mental illness. However, you might want to if you need accommodations, like time off for treatment.

You might be surprised at how understanding employers are about mental health issues. It could be beneficial to open up. Before talking to your boss or HR about mental health illness, read up on your legal rights.

Work on Mental Health Together

Talking about mental health is good for mental health. Most people experience symptoms, if not a diagnosable mental illness, and everyone can benefit from managing mental health.

Bring the subject up with your loved ones and commit to working on mental health together, as you do with physical health. Meditate together, practice good sleep habits, take on relaxation strategies to battle stress, and talk.

A great place to start your journey is with the BetterSleep app. It provides several tools for both children and adults, not just to promote sleep but also to reduce stress and anxiety and cope with mental health symptoms.