Teens do want to talk about mental health.

While mental health may have been a taboo topic in the past, Gen Zers—teenagers of today—are more open to talking about it than previous generations.¹ And, according to many new studies, they want to talk to their parents about it.

Here are the top three things teenagers want their parents to know about their mental health.

“Please don’t try to fix it.”

Your first instinct may be to give advice when your kid tells you something’s wrong. However, teens really just want parents to listen to their concerns without lecturing or trying to jump to a solution. It’s called “active listening.” So, if your teen (finally) opens up to share what’s going on with a friend at school, about troubles they’re having in class or that they’re upset about not making the team, let them talk it out before stepping in with advice.

• Why it’s important: Facing challenges and working through solutions to overcome them helps teens develop resilience and the ability to bounce back from setbacks.³

“Trust me when I say something’s wrong.”

If your teen expresses feelings of depression or anxiety or comes to you saying they need help, don’t brush it off. Acknowledge their feelings even if you may think it’s not a big deal.

• Why it’s important: Teenagers are still learning to manage their emotions. When young people are told that their feelings are valid, it can help them develop a stronger sense of self and help them see that their experiences matter.⁴

“I shut down when you get angry.”

Patience and understanding can go a long way when talking to your teen about their mental health. Even if they tell you something uncomfortable—whether it’s about sex, alcohol use or something else—do your best to make your first reaction an understanding one. Ask questions, be sure they’re safe and follow up when necessary. Above all, let them know you love them and that you’re always there to listen.

• Why it’s important: Providing a safe space for your kids to share what they’re feeling, without them worrying you’ll be angry with or punish them, will make it more likely that they’ll come to you when they need your support the most.

Do this not that.

Here are a few more things to keep in mind to help you become your teen’s 
go-to sounding board and advisor.

1. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). “Poll of Teen Mental Health from Teens Themselves (2022).” Last accessed March 4, 2025. https://www.nami.org/support-education/publications-reports/survey-reports/poll-of-teen-mental-health-from-teens-themselves-2022
2. Harvard Graduate School of Education. Caring for the Caregivers: The Critical Link Between Parent and Teen Mental Health [Report]. June 2023. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5b7c56e255b02c683659fe43/t/64ac08af6f3dc8123d9b3c45/1688996016873/Caring+for+the+Caregivers_final.pdf
3. Raising Children Network. “Resilience: Pre-teens and teenagers.” Last updated August 7, 2024. https://raisingchildren.net.au/pre-teens/development/social-emotional-development/resilience-in-teens
4. Mental Health America. “Validating young people’s feelings.” Last accessed March 4, 2025. 
https://mhanational.org/validating-young-people-feelings
5. Miller C. “Mental Health Disorders and Teen Substance Use.” Child Mind Institute. Last reviewed June 5, 2024. https://childmind.org/article/mental-health-disorders-and-substance-use