Talking About the Hard Stuff (Even When It’s... Hard)

Hello, I’m Sarah Bernson, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and I work with All It Takes, a nonprofit that supports youth, educators, administrators, parents—and really, all kinds of humans doing their best in a complicated world.

And let’s be honest—this world is complicated. It asks us to hold big emotions, navigate hard conversations, and show up for one another, even when it’s messy and uncomfortable.

Whether you’re a parent trying to support your teen, a teacher balancing your own grief with your students’ needs, or someone watching people you care about disagree in painful ways—you’re not alone.

Today, I want to talk about something we all wrestle with: How do we talk about the things that are hard to talk about—without losing connection, compassion, or our sense of purpose?.

We know it’s not always easy to talk about uncomfortable things—especially right now. The world feels heavy. Emotions are high. People we love are hurting... and sometimes even hurting each other.

But if you're reading this, chances are you're someone who cares—a parent, a teacher, an administrator, a neighbor, a friend. Maybe you're a youth advocate, or maybe you're just someone who wants to help kids grow up in a safer, kinder, more understanding world.

That means you’re in the right place. 💛

So, how do we talk about the hard stuff?

Whether it’s grief, injustice, identity, mental health, or heartbreak—it’s hard to know what to say sometimes. It’s even harder when you’re trying to stand up for what’s right without offending anyone or burning bridges. But the truth is: we have to keep talking.

Because when we stay silent, our young people notice.And when we give up, they give up.And that? That’s something we can’t afford.

The Reality Our Youth Are Facing

Let’s get real for a moment:

According to the CDC:

• 39.7% of high school students report feeling persistently sad or hopeless.

• 20.4% have seriously considered suicide.

• 9.5% have attempted suicide in the past year.

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That’s not just data. That’s our kids. That’s their friends. Their classmates. Our students, our children, our future.

Every year, over 2 million adolescents attempt suicide. And about 6,500 young people (ages 10–24) die by suicide—more than from most major illnesses.

We cannot let this be the norm. We must be the trusted space for them to land.

What Can We Do?

Let’s not pretend this is easy. It’s not. We’re dealing with underfunded programs, overwhelming changes, and (sometimes) very loud disagreements—online and off.

But let’s start small. Let’s start here:

• Talk, even when it’s hard.

With your kids. With your family. With your friends and co-workers and community members. Create space for honest conversation—about grief, about injustice, about identity, about life.

• Lead with curiosity, not judgment.

Instead of jumping in to correct or convince, ask:

“Can you tell me more about why you feel that way?”

That one sentence can open doors.

• Acknowledge different perspectives.

Every single person sees the world through a different lens. That doesn’t make them wrong—it makes them human. And our differences? That’s where the magic lives. We need them.

“We dance differently. We experience life differently. And that’s beautiful.”

• Remember: You are an influencer.

Not the TikTok kind (unless that’s your thing 😉)—but the kind who influences every room you walk into. Your words, your energy, your presence—they matter. A lot.

So, how do you want to show up?

Here's the Good News

When adults show up—when we really see young people, listen to them, and take them seriously—we become their best chance at healing.

You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be present.

You don’t have to know exactly what to say. You just have to be willing to say something.

And when you don’t give up, they don’t either.

We’re going to keep serving the youth.We’re going to keep showing up for the educators, the parents, the mentors, the communities.We’re going to keep fighting for human dignity, safety, and belonging—for everyone.

Even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard.

Let’s be the reason someone keeps going.Let’s be the spark that reminds a kid they matter.

The conversations may be tough—but they’re also where healing begins.

Let’s keep talking.

 Together 💛

-Sarah Bernson