The question includes a presupposition that the young person is handling it on some level, however badly, and may encourage some confidence or sense of control from them. E: Empathy Say: “That must be very difficult for you.” Example response: “Yes, it is.” Showing empathy means the young person will feel validated and less alone. Adapting your listening for pre-adolescents Some pre-adolescents may not have language to explain how they are feeling. When having a conversation with and listening to a pre-adolescent who has displayed signs of poor mental health, it is important to pay attention to their body language and what they are ‘not saying’. Professionals assessing or treating pre-adolescents use a range of communication tools, For example, educational psychologists can use pictures as an aid. Youth MHFAiders may find that doing an activity with a pre-adolescent will help them to better understand what they are feeling or going through – lots of pre-adolescents find it easier to talk when they don’t feel the pressure to have a ‘big talk’, to sit still, or to make eye contact. The following practical 20-minute activities may help a pre- adolescent reflect on what is going on for them: – Ball games or dance sessions – Arts and crafts e.g., paint-by-numbers, drawing each other, or a t-shirt design
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