Youth Mental Health Awareness Month: Time to Talk
Youth Mental Health Awareness Month is an important reminder that young people need space, support, and understanding when it comes to their emotional well-being. Childhood and adolescence are times of growth, change, and discovery, but they can also bring stress, pressure, and emotional challenges that are not always easy to express.
At Community Behavioral Health, we believe now is the time to talk. Open conversations about mental health help children and teens feel less alone, more supported, and better equipped to navigate the world around them.
Why Youth Mental Health Matters
Mental health challenges often begin early in life. Anxiety, depression, attention concerns, trauma, and emotional regulation difficulties can appear in childhood or adolescence, even when everything seems fine on the surface.
Young people today face:
Academic pressure
Social challenges and peer dynamics
Family changes or stress
Exposure to social media
Uncertainty about the future
Emotional and developmental changes
When mental health needs go unaddressed, these pressures can impact school performance, relationships, self-esteem, and overall well-being.
Time to Talk: Why Conversation Is So Important
Many children and teens struggle to put their feelings into words. Some worry about being judged or misunderstood. Others may not realize what they are experiencing is something they can talk about.
Talking about mental health helps youth:
Feel heard and validated
Understand their emotions
Build trust with caregivers
Learn healthy coping skills
Seek help earlier when needed
Creating open dialogue sends a powerful message. You are not alone. Your feelings matter. Help is available.
Signs a Child or Teen May Be Struggling
Mental health challenges can look different at every age. Some signs to watch for include:
Changes in mood or behavior
Withdrawal from friends or activities
Increased irritability or emotional outbursts
Difficulty concentrating or declining school performance
Changes in sleep or appetite
Frequent physical complaints like headaches or stomachaches
Expressions of hopelessness or low self-worth
These signs do not always mean something is wrong, but they are signals worth paying attention to.
How Parents and Caregivers Can Start the Conversation
Starting a mental health conversation does not require the perfect words. What matters most is showing care, patience, and openness.
Helpful ways to begin include:
Asking open-ended questions like “How have things been feeling lately”
Listening without interrupting or rushing to fix
Validating emotions, even when they are hard to hear
Letting youth know it is okay to talk about difficult feelings
Checking in regularly, not just during moments of concern
Even small moments of connection can build trust over time.
The Role of Professional Support
Sometimes support from family and friends is not enough. Therapy provides a safe, neutral space where youth can express themselves openly and learn skills that support emotional health.
At Community Behavioral Health, our providers work with children, teens, and families to:
Improve emotional regulation
Address anxiety, depression, ADHD, and trauma
Strengthen communication and coping skills
Support healthy development and resilience
Involve caregivers as part of the healing process
Early support can make a lasting difference in a young person’s life.
Breaking the Stigma Together
Youth Mental Health Awareness Month reminds us that mental health is just as important as physical health. Talking openly reduces stigma and encourages young people to seek help without shame.
By normalizing these conversations, we create safer environments where youth feel supported, understood, and empowered to ask for help when they need it.
CBH Is Here for You and Your Family
If you are concerned about a child or teen in your life, or if you are a young person looking for support, you do not have to navigate it alone. Community Behavioral Health offers compassionate care for youth and families across California, both in person and through telehealth.
This month, let it be time to talk. Contact Community Behavioral Health today to schedule an appointment and learn how we can support your family.
