DD has just said "Your generation are shit at dealing with mental health issues"

[BigSandyBalls2015]

in response to me chatting to her sister about anxiety/palpatations. When I asked her why, she said "you don't keep asking people why they are anxious, that's the whole point, we don't know why".

Now I get that, but what do I do? How do you talk to your teens about mental health, about how they are feeling, about their worries ....

www.amazon.co.uk/Be-Mindful-Card-Deck-Teens/dp/155957058X?smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&ref_=Oct_DLandingS_ff62b7a7_NA&tag=mumsnetforu03-21 I got these which seem to help initiate conversation.

I talk about my own mental health. Not in an unboundaried way or in a way that makes it seem like they need to help me. More like 'I felt very anxious when I was in 2nd year at university. Counselling helped and meant I could concentrate better and study. '

Thanks Super, I'll have a look at that.

I don't ask why? Anymore. It seems to wind teens up. I offer a cup of tea, or a cuddle. I focus on what they have achieved that day or week. I also suggest vitamins that might help, or suggest fresh air. But all calmly, and trying to understand. It has taken me a while to keep calm and back off.

It sounds like you are doing your best . Rather than “why are you anxious” maybe you could say “what can I do to help” or suggest things like mindfulness or even just a long walk. Sometimes it’s easier to walk and talk rather than sitting across the table from someone.