{"id":12044,"date":"2018-06-11T13:00:03","date_gmt":"2018-06-11T18:00:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mentalhe180dev.wpenginepowered.com\/news\/5-tips-conversation-mental-health\/"},"modified":"2025-10-13T08:24:19","modified_gmt":"2025-10-13T13:24:19","slug":"5-tips-conversation-mental-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging.grafik.mentalhealthfirstaid.org\/es\/news\/5-tips-conversation-mental-health\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Tips for Starting a Conversation About Mental Health"},"content":{"rendered":"

Unlike physical health challenges \u2014 like scrapes and cuts or the flu \u2014 mental health and substance use challenges often remain unseen. And because we can\u2019t always see<\/em> mental health challenges, it\u2019s important that we feel comfortable having conversations about them.<\/p>\n

Talking about mental health can be difficult and awkward, but it doesn\u2019t have to be. Nor do you need to be an expert to engage in conversations about mental health. Just a few small words \u2014 like asking someone how they\u2019re feeling \u2014 can make a huge difference. Whether someone is ready to have that conversation with you or not, most people will appreciate your care and support in trying to start the conversation in the first place.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re not exactly sure where to begin, here are a few helpful conversation starters to break the ice around a loved ones\u2019 mental health:<\/p>\n

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  1. \u201cAre you okay?\u201d<\/strong> Ask the question and mean it. Show you are listening<\/a> by sitting alongside the person, maintaining an open body position and maintaining comfortable eye contact.<\/li>\n
  2. \u201cAre you thinking about suicide?\u201d<\/strong> If you are concerned that someone is considering suicide, ask the question directly. Asking a person if they have been thinking about suicide or have made plans will not increase the risk that they will complete suicide.<\/li>\n
  3. \u201cI\u2019ve noticed that\u2026\u201d <\/strong>Open the conversation by explaining behavior changes you have noticed. For example, \u201cI\u2019ve noticed that you\u2019ve been showing up to work late a lot lately.\u201d Then, express genuine concern.<\/li>\n
  4. \u201cDo you want to take a walk?\u201d<\/strong> Engaging a friend, family member or loved one you are concerned about in a healthy activity like taking a walk together can be a great way to start a conversation. Doing an activity while you talk can take some of the nerves and discomfort out of the conversation.<\/li>\n
  5. \u201cHow are you, really?\u201d<\/strong> Sometimes when someone says they\u2019re fine, they\u2019re not. Know the warning signs to look for so you can know when to offer extra support.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    No matter the path this conversation takes, be prepared to walk it with whomever you\u2019re reaching out to. We want everyone to feel confident enough to begin a conversation about mental health, sustain that conversation and direct people to the help they may need \u2014 whether that\u2019s professional help<\/a> or just a non-judgmental listening ear.<\/p>\n

    When we know what to say and what to do, we can #BeTheDifference for someone who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge. Take a Mental Health First Aid course today<\/a> to #BeTheDifference in the lives of your loved ones and support those who may need it most.<\/p>\n

    Check out these related blogs for more information on having supportive conversations surrounding mental wellbeing.<\/p>\n