Where to start

Mental health may not be a topic you’ve ever talked about, and it can be a tough one to bring up. If you take that first step, however, your doctor or another health professional can guide the rest of the conversation. Put your own spin on any of the ideas below to get things started. You can bring up the subject either before or during your next appointment. Be prepared to provide as much detail as you can about how you’ve been feeling.

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Examples

“I’ve done some research about depression, and wonder if I might be at risk.”

“I’ve been feeling pretty down lately, and I’d like your opinion on whether it might be depression.”

“My anxiety level has been really high lately, and it’s making me uncomfortable.”

“I think I may have had a panic attack, and it scared me. Can we talk about it?”

“I’m interested in beginning therapy to work on some things that have been bothering me. Can you recommend someone?”

  • For adolescents

    Starting a conversation about mental health with your parents can be scary. To make it easier, The Arizona Department of Health Services recommends the following:

    • Write down what you want to say before.
    • Pick a location and time that feels comfortable.
    • Prepare for how they may react.
    • Tell them how they can support you.

  • For parents

    The best thing you can do for your child if they are struggling with mental health is listen to, talk with, and support them. Things you can say to help:

    • What can I do to help you?
    • I am always here for you.
    • Do you want to talk?
    • I am here to listen.
    • I care about you.

Join the changing conversation

At Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, we’re committed to ending the stigma that’s sometimes associated with mental illness, because nothing should stand in the way of someone getting help. We believe that all Arizonans deserve not just to feel well, but also to feel proud of advocating for wellness in all its forms.

Here are a few ways you can help shift the tone when it comes to mental health:

  • Use person-centered language, which means focusing on the person and not his or her diagnosis. This helps clarify that the condition is one aspect of but does not define the individual.
  • “He/she has bipolar illness” instead of “He/she is bipolar.”
  • “I have a mental health condition” instead of “I am mentally ill.”
  • Take mental health first-aid training. Most of us know how to help someone who is having a heart attack. Few of us are prepared to respond to someone who’s having a mental health or substance use-related crisis. Mental health first-aid training, like CPR training for physical health, teaches you how to recognize symptoms and offer assistance. Find a mental health first-aid training course near you.