Removing stigma of mental health is important because of two reasons: 
1. Many mental health disorders in adults begin in adolescence and we thus need to nip them in the bud
2. We want to encourage help-seeking behaviour by assuring people it's ok to talk about mental disorders
Let's not shy away from talking with and to youths about mental health and disorders. 

The aspects of depression, anorexia, self-harm and suicide are really troubling ones. 
What messages must concerned and caring adults give to counter these negative themes?
Bear in mind that we are both the messenger and message. 
As concerned and caring adults, we need to present consistent actions and words in order to be messengers of hope to troubled youths.

We must take on the perspective of the troubled youths even though it does not make sense to us. 
Hurt youths hurt others - it's sometimes a form of coping response 
Taking on the perspective of the hurt or troubled youth is an extremely important one if we want to be of help. 

Being alert to signs of self-harm increases the success of helping intervention
Being empathetic without judgment and shock helps too
Seek allies when attempting to help a troubled youth 
It does take some effort when trying to reach out hurt youths who self-harm but it is possible with the right approach. 

There are two main reasons why youths resort to self-harming: 
a. Control - to exert some control in an otherwise overwhelming situation or hurt
b. Catharsis - somehow self-inflicted wounds provide some release from pain 
Understanding the reasons why some youths self-harm may help increase our empathy towards them. 

As adults we need to be alert to the signs displayed by our young. 
We have to be alert because youths sometimes may not be willing or able to articulate what they are going through. 
Once we spot such signs, we should not hesitate to approach the youth, in an empathetic manner. 
There are usually signs, both verbal but mainly non-verbal, of distress that are exhibited by troubled youths.

It's best to not tackle a distressed situation alone. Get help. 
Always share from the point of empathy and not judgment. 
Try to surround the trouble youth with safety.  
We need to provide support from a point of empathy and with the help of others, not alone. 

Behind each suicide pain, there is often a loss. 
We need to help identify the meaning of this loss. 
We also need to establish whether there is a loss of meaning or purpose as a result of the loss.  
Helping to pinpoint the meaning of a loss can help a suicidal person search for possible avenues of resolution. 

We need to listen to try to understand why a person is thinking about suicide. 
Very often, a suicidal person sees suicide as a way to end his or her pain. 
It is helpful to understand what has triggered the person's thoughts of suicide.  
Listening to the story behind a person's pain can help us understand why he or she has contemplated suicide. 

Contrary to a popular myth, you will not plant thoughts in a person's mind when you ask directly about suicide. 
Instead, when you ask directly, it shows that you care and that it is OK to talk about it.  
Asking directly about suicide tells a distressed person that you care.