When a loved one or family member is drinking too much, using drugs, or struggling with a mental disorder, your support can be key to getting them the treatment they need. Starting the conversation is the first step to getting help. Starting a talk about mental illness or substance use with a loved one is tricky. See below for some tips from the “Starting the Conversation Guide” from the article “Mental and Substance Use Disorders in Families: Multimedia Resources” by SAMHSA, featured in this post. Learn more about substance use disorders at their website SAMHSA.gov.

How and when to start conversati0ns about substance use and mental health.

There is not a one-size-fits-all solution for helping a family member living with a mental or substance use disorder, but family support can play a significant role in their recovery. It is important for caregivers to understand the need to prioritize their own health as well, when supporting a loved one. Help get the message out by sharing these resources designed to inform and engage.

Video and Audio Resources

Family Drama

Video encouraging families to talk with their loved ones about possible substance use.

The Family Drama spots encourage families to talk directly with their loved ones about concerns with possible substance use.

Download 30 Second Video: English (MP4 | 36 MB) or Spanish (MP4 | 36 MB)
View 30 Second Video: English or Spanish

Download 30 Second Audio: English (MP3 | 1.2 MB) or Spanish (MP3 | 1.2 MB)

Download 20 Second Video: English (MP4 | 24 MB) or Spanish (MP4 | 24 MB)
View 20 Second Video: English or Spanish

Download 20 Second Audio: English (MP3 | 784 KB) or Spanish (MP3 | 784 KB)

Can We Talk?

Video encouraging families to talk with their loved ones about mental illness.

The Can We Talk? spots show how to start a conversation about mental illness with your loved one using three simple words: “Can we talk?”

Download 30 Second Video: English (MP4 | 23 MB) or Spanish (MP4 | 22 MB)
View 30 Second Video: English or Spanish

Download 30 Second Audio: English (MP3 | 1.2 MB) or Spanish (MP3 | 1.2 MB)

Download 20 Second Video: English (MP4 | 40 MB) or Spanish (MP4 | 15 MB)
View 20 Second Video: English or Spanish

Download 20 Second Audio: English (MP3 | 784 KB) or Spanish (MP3 | 784 KB)

Family Support Guide

Guide to help families support loved ones living with a mental or substance use disorder.

Do you suspect a family member is living with a mental or substance use disorders? Here are some things to keep in mind as you support them.

Family Support Guide Download:
English (PDF | 72 KB)

Conversation Guide

Guide to help families start the conversation with a loved one about mental illness or substance use

Starting a talk about mental illness or substance use with a loved one is tricky. If you’re unsure how to broach the subject, try these conversation starters.

Download: Starting The Conversation Guide by SAMHSA

Although kids who are bullied are at risk of suicide, bullying alone is not the cause. Many issues contribute to suicide risk, including depression, problems at home, and trauma history. Additionally, specific groups have an increased risk of suicide, including American Indian and Alaskan Native, Asian American, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth. This risk can be increased further when these kids are not supported by parents, peers, and schools. Bullying can make an unsupportive situation worse.