It is always important to talk to patients about their mental health. Sometimes it’s hard to know where to start or what questions to ask. Below are some ways to talk about mental health and the seven Stress Busters with your patients:
- First, providers can introduce “Stress Busters” to manage stress. This handout can be provided to patients with each of the seven Stress Busters.
- Then ask: “How do you cope with stressful situations?” You will better understand their current stress management techniques and see how you can add or integrate the Stress Busters to them.
- When discussing the Stress Busters, you can ask, “Which of these [stress buster] strategies would you be interested in trying to help manage stress?”
- Finally, collaborate with the patient and talk about a plan for practicing these Stress Busters: “Let’s make a plan for how you can try these strategies during your day.”
- Examples of goals to set with your patients related to Stress Busters include:
- The patient will walk after work or school for 15 minutes on Mondays and Wednesdays.
- Patient X will practice 5 minutes of a mindfulness meditation from the HeadSpace app on Saturday mornings.
- Patient X will practice going to sleep at 8:30 p.m. every night beginning this week.
Talking to teens about mental health
Teen mental health is a critical time when significant emotional, physical, and psychological development are occurring. Teens often face unique challenges, so it is important to recognize signs of mental health issues early and provide them with the support they need. Here are some ways to talk about mental health with teens.
Assessing safety
- Do you feel safe now?
- Where do you feel the safest?
- Please know that we are here to help if you ever feel scared or unsafe at home, at school, or anywhere.
Reviewing coping
- When things get hard for you, where do you draw your strength?
- How does this help you?
- How do your family or friends support you?
- When you are stressed or worried, what is most helpful?
Examining Stress Busters
- Is there an adult, like a mom, dad, aunt, uncle, grandparent, or mentor in your life who is there for you, no matter what?
- Who do you rely on?
- Practicing mindfulness for 10-12 minutes a day can help calm down some of the stress you might be feeling. Are there apps you have on your phone you can use?
- Have you taken a mindful walk before?
