For Parents and Adults

Supporting a youth struggling with mental health and/or addiction requires patience, empathy and informed action. Here are several effective ways an individual can provide support.

Educate Yourself – Learn about the mental health condition or substance use disorder the youth is facing. Understand the signs, symptoms, and effects to better support them seamlessly without judgement. The Crossing Bridges team is here to help!

Listen to the Young Person’s Perspective – Try to listen to the young person’s perspective, even when it may be different from your own, and seek to understand their experiences. Addiction and mental health are complex and seeking clarification by asking questions, reading materials, and talking to a professional can help you better understand what a young person might be experiencing and where they’re coming from.

Be Patient and Hopeful – Recovery is a process with many ups and downs that look different for every individual. Celebrate the small successes. Reinforce that healing is possible and there are people ready to support them through it.

Set Boundaries and Encourage Healthy Routine – Engaging in activities that promote wellness and reduce stress, encourage regular sleep, nutrition and self-care. Normalize asking for help and taking care of yourself. Establish clear expectations while also being supportive and understanding. Avoid any enabling behaviours that could be harmful, while remaining emotionally present.

Learn About Harm Reduction – While a young person may not be willing or able to completely stop using a substance or engaging in a behaviour, ask how they might be able to minimize risks related to using or the behaviour. For example, if they are choosing to drink alcohol at a friend’s party, encourage them not to drive and to make a plan for how they can stay safe.

Get Support – Look at and reach out to community and online resources. These resources may be able to offer support to both you and the young person you care for.

Use “I” Statements Whenever Possible – When talking with a young person about their addiction and/or mental health struggle, be mindful of your tone and use “I” statements to share how you feel and your own experiences. For example, if a young person says, “It’s not a big deal, everyone my age is doing it,” you might respond with, “I’m hearing you say you don’t think this behaviour is a big deal. I wonder if I can share some changes in your behaviour I’ve noticed and that make me concerned.”