How To Talk About Mental Health With Loved Ones

Mental health can be a touchy topic and uncomfortable for many. Especially in the black community, it’s almost never spoken about, or it’s hidden and shoved deep down inside. If you want to open up to others about your mental state or struggles, or if you want to support someone else who is struggling.. It’s about the approach. Knowing how to approach the topic can reduce the stigma around mental health, strengthen the relationship, and even encourage healing.

Let’s look at some steps on how talk about mental health with the ones we love using compassion, honesty, and care.

Why Talking About Mental Health Matters

Mental health has not always been a topic that is discussed. Silence and stigma have kept many people suffering alone. COVID was the eye opening turning point on mental health, but the conversations surrounding mental health can still feel daunting.

When mental health is openly discussed:

We let our loved ones know they’re not alone.
We create safe spaces for vulnerability.
We reduce shame and replace it with empathy.
We encourage seeking help early, before issues worsen.

Talking about mental health is NOT about having all the answers. It’s about showing up, listening, and supporting each other.

preparing yourself before the conversation

Before sitting down with a loved one and having this deep of a conversation, it’s important to prepare. This will help you feel calmer, more confident , and more intentional.

Purpose: Do you want to share your struggles or check in on someone else?
- This helps prevents the conversation from feeling scattered and have purpose.
Educate Yourself: Learn the basics on anxiety, depression, or bi-polar disorders.
- Understanding helps you avoid stereotypes and misconceptions.
Check Your Emotions: If you’re highly stressed or overwhelmed, wait until you’re in a steadier mental space.
- Your tone and energy matter just as much as your words.

Choose the right time & place

Pick a private, calm space.
- Avoid public settings where someone may feel exposed.
Choose a low-stress moment.
- Don’t start the conversation during an argument or when either of you is in a rush.
Keep it natural.
- Sometimes the best talk happen during a walk, over a quiet meal, or while relaxing at home.

The goal is to create a safe, supportive environment where your loved one feels comfortable opening up.

let’s start the conversation

This is the most challenging part. Approaching the conversation varies from person to person. So make sure you know your audience and what triggers to avoid.

“I’ve noticed you’ve seemed quiet lately, how are you really doing?”
”I care about you, and I want to make sure you’re okay.”
”I’ve been struggling with my own mental health and I thought we could talk about it together..maybe?”

You don’t want it to be an interrogation. Be sure to provide a safe open space with an open ear.

Should you say it?

Words can be a powerful medicine.. or cause unintentional harm.

Supportive comments:

“I’m here for you, no matter what”
”You’re feelings are valid”
”You don’t have to go through this alone”

Comments you should AVOID:

”Snap out of it”
”You’re overreacting”
”Others have it worse”

The last thing you want to do is minimize what someone is feeling or going through. Focus on empathy, patience & undrstanding.

Take care of yourself too

Supporting someone with mental health challenges is NOT a simple task. It can be emotionally heavy & you cannot pour from an empty cup.

Be sure to set healthy boundaries. It’s okay to be there for someone but don’t put their needs before your own.

Remeber.. you are NOT their therapist. You’re their loved one offering emotional support.

It’s okay for you to seek support for yourself if needed. Friends, support groups & therapy can be great resources.

How To Talk About Mental Health With Loved Ones