335_Start Mental Health Conversations Early (rebroadcast)

Giving Voice to Depression

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This podcast episode "Start Mental Health Conversations Early" focuses on the importance of addressing mental health with children at a young age, helping to break the stigma surrounding mental illness and instill the understanding that mental health struggles should be treated with the same openness, care and understanding as "physical health" issues.

Our guest, T.J., shares his personal journey with mental health, describing his long battle with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD, which began in his teens. After years of struggling in silence, T.J. reached a breaking point marked by suicidal thoughts and multiple attempts to take his own life. His experience eventually led him to seek professional help, which included therapy and medication.

A turning point in T.J.'s story occurs when he reflects on how his struggles affected his son, especially after hearing that his child had noticed his father's prolonged absences due to depression. This moment inspired T.J. to have a candid conversation with him about mental health. He wanted his son to understand that depression isn't a sign of weakness, but a medical condition that many people experience. T.J. emphasized the importance of talking about feelings, offering unconditional support, and educating children that it's okay to express emotions without shame.

T.J. believes that starting these conversations early can help children grow up with a healthy understanding of mental illness, reducing the stigma for future generations. He stresses that it's essential for parents to model open communication and to listen without judgment when children share their feelings.

The episode ends with a reminder that these conversations shouldn't be one-time events but ongoing dialogues, helping to create a culture where mental health struggles are no longer hidden or stigmatized. By fostering these discussions, parents can equip their children with the tools to understand and support themselves and others who may face mental health challenges.

Link to resources on depression in children:
https://www.webmd.com/depression/qa/what-are-signs-and-symptoms-of-depression-in-children
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14938-depression-in-children
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/depression-in-children