How to Support Youth

How to Support a Youth Who is Struggling

Supporting a youth who is struggling with their mental health may seem a bit daunting, but by seeking out information, you’re already taking the first step in helping support the young person in your life. Early intervention from a trusted adult can make a significant difference in a teen or young adult’s mental health and well-being. Here are several ways you can offer meaningful support for youth in your life:

• Create a Safe Space for Communication
  Let them know you’re there to listen without judgment. Sometimes, just being a nonjudgmental presence can make a huge difference. Ask questions about what is going on for them and listen without interrupting or trying to fix things. Consider role modeling how to talk about their feelings by sharing about a time when you have struggled with your mental health; asking if this would be helpful for them can be important to ensure the focus of the conversation stays on them.

• Validate Their Feelings
  Let them know it’s okay and normal to feel what they’re feeling. Validating their emotions can help them feel heard while also reducing feelings of isolation and shame. Avoid using stigmatizing language or phrases that minimize their feelings. For example, you could say “I want to help you through this” instead of “You need to snap out of it.”

• Normalize Asking for Help
  Encourage the young person to reach out for help when they need it. Brainstorm with them about who they can connect with as needed. Encourage them to think about friends and peers, but it is important that they have trusted adults they can ask, such as parents and guardians, teachers, coaches, school counselors, other family members, religious or community leaders, and family friends. Please note they might identify someone other than you, and that is ok. As long as they have someone, that is what we are hoping for!

• Offer Practical Support
  Ask if they would be interested in learning about other supports, and if so, share resources with them and help them access professional care (e.g., therapy or counseling), encourage healthy routines (sleep, movement, nourishment), or offer to accompany them to appointments. Support can also include doing activities together that promote well-being, like walking, sports, art, or hobbies they enjoy.

• Encourage Ongoing Help with Their Mental Health
  Mental health challenges, especially when persistent, often benefit from professional intervention. If they’re open to it, gently encourage seeing a counselor or therapist and help them determine if they or their family have the resources for this ongoing support. If you can, offer to help them set up an appointment and transportation, if in person. Telehealth can be a great option for people struggling with anxiety to feel more comfortable. If they do not have the resources for this, help them find free mental health support offered in their school or community.

• Stay Consistent
  Check in regularly, particularly if they are more distant than usual. It’s important to respect their need for space; however, sometimes those who are struggling withdraw from others when they need support the most. Consistent support can be crucial in helping them feel secure and cared for during difficult times.

• Respect Their Boundaries
  Understand that they may not always want to talk about what they’re going through. Be respectful of their boundaries and let them know you’re there when they’re ready to open up.

• Create a Safety Plan
  This may include knowing how to contact emergency services, crisis helplines (like YouthLine or 988), or other trusted individuals.

• Share Resources
  Make sure the youth knows what resources are available to them when they need support. Share information for YouthLine’s help, support, and crisis line, as well as other crisis and help lines. Check out our list of resources to share with youth and use yourself.

• Take Care of Yourself
  Supporting someone with mental health struggles can be emotionally taxing. Make sure you’re also looking after your own mental health, setting boundaries, and seeking support when needed.

Each person is unique, so adapting your approach to the individual’s needs and preferences is key.

How is the youth you’re supporting doing right now?