Printable

Cheat Sheet for Parents and Caregivers: Stop the Mental Health Stigma

Learn what mental health stigma is and discover tips to discussing and supporting your teen's mental health.

Grades Teen Ver Versión en Español

Too many teens are struggling in silence – not because they do not need help, but because they are afraid to ask for it. Mental health stigma creates shame, fear, and isolation. As a caregiver, you have the power to break that cycle.

This FREE, printable cheat sheet gives you the tools to talk openly about mental health, recognize signs of stigma, and build a safe, supportive environment where your teen feels seen, heard, and never judged.

Why This Cheat Sheet Matters

Mental illness affects 1 in 5 teens, but far too many feel they have to hide it. Whether it is depression, anxiety, or any emotional challenge, stigma often prevents teens from opening up – even to the people who love them most.

This cheat sheet empowers you to:

  • Talk about mental health with confidence and compassion
  • Replace fear with facts and judgment with understanding
  • Show your teen that their feelings are valid and they are never a burden

Stop the Stigma. Start the Conversation.

If you have ever heard your teen say “I’m fine” but felt in your gut that they were not, then this resource is for you. Download the cheat sheet above and take the first step towards breaking the silence and building trust. It is easy to print and keep handy or share with those that have teens in their lives.

Use our Mental Health is Health: Activities for Teens to further support your teens. It is designed to help teens explore their thoughts and feelings. Through reflection and guided activities, they will learn that their emotions are valid and that seeking support is a strength, not a weakness.


Related Content

Mood

Mental Health is Health- Activities for Teens (Español)

Grades Teen

¿Alguna vez los sentimientos de vergüenza o miedo le han impedido compartir su verdad o buscar ayuda? Superar el estigma no es fácil, pero tus sentimientos son válidos, mereces apoyo y la salud mental es salud.

Get Printable
Mood

Cheat Sheet for Parents and Caregivers: Understanding Stress and Anxiety in Teens (Español)

Grades Teen

¡Consejos imprimibles para obtener información sobre la marcha! Imprime, corta por la línea de puntos y luego dobla por la línea continua del centro. ¡Ahora cuélgalo en cualquier lugar donde tú y tu familia lo vean todos los días!

Get Printable
Mood

Cheat Sheet for Parents and Caregivers: Stop the Mental Health Stigma (Español)

Grades Teen

¡Consejos imprimibles para obtener información sobre la marcha! Imprime, corta por la línea de puntos y luego dobla por la línea continua del centro. ¡Ahora cuélgalo en cualquier lugar donde tú y tu familia lo vean todos los días!

Get Printable
Mood, Move

Kind-Tac-Toe Playbook

Grades K-2, 3-5

This printable playbook is an easy-to-use guide to Kind-Tac-Toe, the PE game created to teach kids about giving compliments that recognize strengths in others. 

Get Printable
Mood

Social Emotional Learning Art Projects: Worry Monster

Grades Pre-K, K-2

Big worries can feel overwhelming! Give kids a safe way to express and release anxious thoughts by creating a Worry Monster craft, where they can ‘feed’ their worries and feel calmer.

Get Printable
Mood

fitClub Session 3 Challenge

Grades 3-5

After fitClub Session 3, kids are challenged to think about their feelings and emotions each day for five consecutive days, then record them on the challenge page.

Get Printable