Creative resources to support your family’s mental health

Talking with kids about mental health can be challenging, but crucial in supporting overall well-being.

For many parents and caregivers, knowing how to start that conversation can feel overwhelming. This is especially true when navigating both the complexities of your child’s emotional needs and your own mental health. We understand that you want the best for your child, and creating a supportive environment starts with reliable, accessible information. The resources and tips below are designed to provide a clear, calming path forward, offering practical guidance, supportive opinions, and tools to help your family navigate mental health with confidence and care.

Tips for engaging in discussions:

• Be curious. Ask open ended questions like ‘How are you feeling?’ or ‘What have been some challenges lately?’
• Keep open, honest communication. Have regular check-ins and make it a family affair. Keep it fun by incorporating games, food, connection and humor. Encourage emotional expression through talking but also through art, drawing, journaling, books, stories or play.
• Validate, normalize, and name feelings. Everyone has feelings. It’s normal to be sad, mad, or excited. Avoid statements like ‘You’re fine, you should get over it.’
• Show them your support. Tell them openly and often that you support them with statements like ‘We’re in this together. I’m here for you.’
• Stay non-judgmental. Let kids know they can come to you and will not be punished.
• Focus on strengths, positives, and successes. Remind children of their resilience and abilities to get through tough situations.
• Listen more and talk less. Create space without trying to fix. Use age-appropriate language. Stay calm.
• Support your own mental health. Do things to take care of yourself and role model healthy behaviors. Verbalize your own emotions and practice stress management through taking breaks, breathing, exercise, hobbies, and utilizing support systems and seeking professional help when needed.
• Know when to seek professional help. If you notice persistent distress or changes in sleep, eating, sadness, or aggression that lasts for weeks or disrupts everyday functioning like going to school or work you may consider seeking professional help.

Click here to learn about additional behavioral health resources.

Benefits of art for mental health

Creativity and art making can be a great way for individuals to express themselves in a healthy way that words alone may not be able to describe.

Art making and creativity:
» Provide a safe and healthy outlet for expressing feelings.
» Foster a deeper understanding of self and boosts confidence.
» Encourage focus on the present moment and reduces mental chatter.
» Reduce stress and promotes a sense of calm.
» Increase problem-solving skills.
» Improve emotional regulation and frustration tolerance.
» Foster social connection and improves the ability to relate to others.
» Promote growth, resiliency, and new ways of thinking.
» Reduce judgement and perfectionism.