Talking about mental health isn’t always easy. For many youth and young adults with disabilities, conversations about anxiety, depression, stress, or other mental health challenges can feel overwhelming. You might worry about being judged, misunderstood, or even dismissed. But opening up about how you’re feeling can be an important step toward building stronger support systems and taking care of yourself.
đź—Ł️ How to Talk to Loved Ones About Your Mental Health
Family and friends often want to help, but they may not always know how. Sometimes the people closest to us avoid the topic because they don’t want to say the wrong thing, or they might believe that mental health should be handled privately. That’s why learning how to start these conversations—and feeling confident in what you share—can make a big difference.
The video “How to Talk to Loved Ones About Your Mental Health” by Dr. Gregory Jantz offers guidance on opening up to friends and family in a thoughtful way. It emphasizes choosing safe people to confide in, planning what you want to share, and picking a calm time to talk. Using clear, specific examples helps loved ones understand your experiences, and explaining how they can best support you makes their help more effective. Since not everyone will respond ideally, it’s important to set boundaries and protect your emotional well-being.
When you talk about your mental health, you are not only asking for support but also giving others a chance to better understand you. Whether it’s telling a friend you’ve been struggling with stress at school, or letting a family member know you’re considering therapy, these conversations can help you feel less alone and more connected.
The Massachusetts Department of Mental Health provides guidance on talking to friends or family about mental health. It suggests watching for warning signs like mood changes or withdrawal, approaching conversations with care by using “I” statements and active listening, and offering support through regular check-ins, positive language, and help with everyday tasks.
Check out their mental health discussion guide here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/how-do-i-talk-to-a-friend-or-family-member-about-mental-health
Featuring...
Youth Power!
Welcome to the Youth Power Summit, an annual event hosted by the Institute where young people from all across New Jersey come together to imagine and build the world they deserve.
Whether it’s mental health, immigration, housing or lowering the voting age, young people like you will spend the day learning the skills necessary to advocate and organize for issues that matter most to you – and win.
Don’t miss out on this chance to harness your power, meet other changemakers and make your voice count.
Overview
Date: Saturday, October 4th, 2025
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Location: Princeton University (exact location provided after registration)
Registration Deadline: Monday, September 29, 2025
Eligibility: This event is open to New Jersey residents between the ages of 14 – 25.
NOTE: Additional information and forms will be received upon registration, including parental consent material for participants under 18.
Cost/Transportation: This event is free for all attendees. Transportation assistance is available.
The Youth Power Summit will provide participants with:
Advocacy Education: Understanding the history and impact of advocating and organizing for change
Advocacy/Organizing Skills: Training in community engagement, advocacy, organizing, coalition building and more
Networking Opportunities: Connecting with like-minded peers and experienced advocates
Actionable Plans: Developing strategic plans to organize and advocate for issues that matter most to you.
Register for the Youth Power Summit today and join a community of young leaders dedicated to advocating and organizing for issues that matter most to you!
Register here: https://njisj.org/youth-power-summit2025-registration/
The SPAN Youth Chat
On October 1st, from 4:15 to 5:00 PM, join the SPAN Youth Engagement Team and Donyae Shelton from NOPE, for a presentation on substance use prevention, with a focus on vaping, marijuana, and alcohol—topics that are especially relevant for youth today. The session will highlight the dangers and real-life consequences of substance misuse, combining facts, personal stories, and prevention strategies designed to empower young people to make informed, healthy choices.
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Resources...
Link to SPAN's website: www.spanadvocacy.org
Link to SPAN's Youth in the Know Resource Page: Youth in the Know
We're here for you! Call SPAN if you need assistance: 1-800-654-7726.
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