Conversation starters on mental health

There is no “one size fits all” solution when it comes to mental health. Healthnetwork Foundation addresses each family’s needs and questions with utmost confidentiality and compassion. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates as much as 25% of the American population has some form of mental illness.

While many of us are open with our friends about our physical health, talking about mental health isn’t as easy. There is fear of embarrassment, being judged or stigmatized, and it may be difficult to find words to describe how they’re feeling. About 20% of teens meet the diagnostic criteria for a mental health disorder. Like adults, these teens are often afraid to talk about it. Some attempt suicide as a means of escaping mental illness symptoms. The most important thing parents or grandparents can do is encourage them to talk to you about the problem. Here are a few tips to help begin a productive discussion.

Forbes recently reported that the effects of mental illness in the U.S. cost nearly $210.5 billion a year in lost productivity and direct costs, with an estimated 19 million Americans afflicted with clinical depression. Mental diseases are real, diagnosable and often treatable. The first step to recovery is often asking, “How can I help you?” Fortunately, Legatus members have Healthnetwork as a partner to help find the right resources.

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