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The Kids Mental Health Foundation in Ohio is advocating for early conversations about mental health among children, highlighting the need to equip parents with essential skills to address emotional well-being from a young age.

In a recent survey conducted by the foundation with 500 parents, 75% expressed the belief that discussions about mental health should occur before middle school. However, less than a quarter of respondents felt these conversations should start before kindergarten, Spectrum News1 reported.

Dr. Whitney Raglin Bignall emphasized the importance of proactive dialogue, stating, "I don't want kids just talking about it. I want us to have skills to address how to cope and how to identify what to do about it."

"And so we have information to help educate parents because I think some of the anxiety is... my kid is going to bring this information to me, and I'm not going to know how to respond."

She continued, "So we have information to help parents and adults know what is normal, right? We all have some anxiety. When does that become a problem?"

Dr. Bignall noted that since a significant portion of brain development occurs before age 5, teaching children about emotions and coping mechanisms should be as fundamental as learning letters and numbers.

The foundation provides resources to assist parents in initiating and maintaining these critical conversations.

Tim Cotter, reflecting on his family's journey with mental health, shared his experience when his daughter, Brigid, was diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder in 8th grade.

Brigid recounted the challenges she faced as her symptoms progressed through her school years, ultimately leading to her withdrawal from high school due to severe impairment.

"When it's your mind, its like okay why can't you come to school? People wanted me to find a solution that i just didn't have at that time," she recalled.

Tim and Debby Cotter stressed the need for parents to create an open environment where children feel comfortable discussing their mental health.

"You have to meet them [your child] where they are," Tim said.

Since leaving high school, Brigid has pursued a path as a fitness instructor and model, embracing her journey with mental health.

"My mental health is a part of me. It doesn't define me, but it's a part of me every single day," she stated, crediting her parents for their support in her recovery.

The initiative hopes to break the stigma surrounding mental health issues and empower families to address these challenges openly and effectively.