06/01/2026
Common Questions About Teens and Mental Health Literacy from our discussion with Laura Ollinger on The Positively Healthy Mom Community Podcast:
How do I know if my teen is "anxious" or has an anxiety disorder?
Normal anxiety is tied to specific events, like taking a difficult exam or asking someone to prom. A clinical symptom or disorder often involves a physical inability to slow down, calm down, or function normally in daily life.
How should I respond when my teenager starts sharing their feelings?
The most effective approach is to ask: "Do you want me to listen, or do you want my advice?". Show you are listening by acknowledging and repeating their words rather than pivoting to your own past experiences.
Does talking about su***de give a teenager the idea?
No. Research and clinical experience show that making these topics open for discussion in a household actually decreases the rate of risk. Normalizing the conversation helps remove the shame that often prevents teens from seeking help.
Looking for more resources as we head into summer time with kids and teens? Tune into the pod for an intro to with Engage & Heal!
In episode #102, we explore teen mental health literacy and how to build resilience beyond "lawnmower parenting". Learn to spot triggers in high achievers, like sudden grade drops or injuries. We discuss su***de prevention through active listening and introduce the MindMap app, a free tool