As parents and caregivers, we all want the children in our lives to grow up feeling safe, confident, and able to cope with life’s ups and downs. Mental Health Literacy's short “What is mental health?” video and webpage offer a gentle, plain-language introduction you can watch on your own or together, helping you understand that mental health is part of everyday life—not just something we talk about when there’s a crisis.

The resource explains that mental health is about how we think, feel, and relate to others, and that everyone’s mental health shifts over time, just like physical health. It describes the four states of mental health that exist in "mental health" and their interrelationship. It also gives practical examples you can use to start conversations with your child or teen, notice early signs that they may be struggling, and know when it might be time to reach out for extra support.

By framing mental health as something we all have, this video helps reduce stigma and opens the door to honest, age-appropriate discussions at home. It’s a useful starting point if you are unsure how to talk about mental health, want to better understand what your child might be feeling, or simply hope to build a more open, supportive family culture around well-being.