A man stands in front of a group of people and asks, “Who here has mental health?” Only a handful raise their hands. “We all have mental health,” he says.
It's a simple observation, but an important one.
We all have physical health, whether we're feeling well or managing an illness. The same is true of mental health. Our thoughts, feelings, relationships, and ability to navigate life's challenges are all part of our mental health. And just like physical health, mental health can change over time.
Yet we don't always talk about it that way.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1 in 5 children ages 3 to 17 has been diagnosed with a mental, emotional, or behavioral health condition at some point in their lives. Many more experience emotional or behavioral challenges without having a diagnosed condition.
Despite how common these experiences are, misconceptions about mental health persist. And for some children, teens, and adults, stigma can make it harder to talk openly about their struggles or ask for help.
The Words We Use Matter
Stigma occurs when negative attitudes, stereotypes, or assumptions lead us to judge or treat people differently because of a mental health condition.
Sometimes stigma is obvious. Other times, it shows up in everyday conversations. We might casually use terms such as “crazy,” “psycho,” or “bipolar,” without considering how those words affect people living with mental health conditions, either personally or with a loved one.
Additionally, it is important to avoid playing an amateur detective and speculating about whether someone has a mental health disorder and what their diagnosis might be. For example, assuming a child who has difficulty paying attention has ADHD, or that a teenager who seems withdrawn must be depressed.
Mental health is complex. A person's behavior doesn't tell us everything about what they're experiencing, and a diagnosis doesn't define who they are. We can make a difference by choosing language that is accurate and respectful, avoiding assumptions, and remembering that every person is more than a diagnosis.
Listening Matters Just as Much
Young people may not always have the words to describe what they're feeling. They may worry about disappointing adults, being judged by their peers, or having their concerns dismissed.
When a child or teenager opens up about their mental health, our response matters.
Instead of immediately offering advice or trying to solve the problem, we can start by listening.
Simple responses like “I'm glad you told me,” “That sounds difficult,” or “Can you tell me more about what you're feeling?” can help young people feel heard and supported. We don't have to have all the answers to make a difference.
Small Actions Can Make a Big Difference
Each of us can help create a world where mental health is treated as an essential part of overall health.
We can choose respectful language, challenge harmful stereotypes, and avoid making assumptions about someone's mental health. We can make space for honest conversations with the children and teens in our lives, listen without judgment, and take their concerns seriously.
And when someone needs additional support, we can help them connect with appropriate resources and professional care.
Consider starting with one simple question: “How are you doing—really?”
Then make time to listen to the answer. Because mental health isn't something that only matters to people with a diagnosis. It matters to every child, every parent, every caregiver, and every member of our community.
Jennifer Reese, PsyD is a clinical psychologist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital who oversees the development and delivery of education for clinical staff within Behavioral Health. She also serves as a faculty member for all levels of Psychology training within the hospital.
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