Help Someone Struggling: an overview

1. Ask

   Not just a vague "how are you". Be direct and don't delay the conversation. Ask questions like: "Are you thinking about suicide?"

2. Keep Them Safe

   Don't hesitate to call 911 or bring in an adult if you need to.

3. Be There

   Offer continuous support and love to the person struggling. Instead of giving reasons for why someone shouldn't feel the way they do, offer responses like "that must be hard," for the pain they are feeling.

4. Help Them Connect

   You are not a therapist! The sooner you get a professional or an adult involved - the better. If your friend is hesitant, offer to help them find resources and open up.

5. Don't just move on. Keep going through these steps and being kind for the one suffering.

Watch out for

• Access to weapons
• Giving away of valuables
• Increasing drug use
• Talk of death/dying
• Isolation

Pass Along: LIFELINE (crisis hotline): 1-800-273-8255

More info @ BTheOne.org

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Learn to save a life

Go to BTheOne.org

Validation: a life skill in 30 seconds

So often, we like to give people unsolicited advice or minimize their problems.

For example, someone complains about a boyfriend and we tell them "he sucks anyway" or "you should break up with him."

While well-meaning, this isn't helpful. When people complain, more often than anything they want someone to understand them.

Imagine if instead you said "that sucks, I know he means so much to you."

Hearing that would feel so much better, wouldn't it? That's validation.

[Tap to read steps.]

Validation: a life skill in 30 seconds

STEP 1: Agree with the truth of someone's situation. This can mean thoughts, feelings, or actions. For example, you can agree that they're in pain or that they care about someone. Remember that you only have to agree with the truth. For example, to validate someone feeling hopeless you don't have to agree that there is no hope.

STEP 2: Show deeper understanding. Look for how someone's feelings make sense given their past experiences or state of mind. It makes sense for someone to care about their boyfriend if they've dated for a while.

STEP 3: Check for understanding. Ask: "Is that right?" Nothing is worse than someone misunderstanding your feelings. By checking, you give the person a chance to correct your interpretation.

64%

That's the percent of youth with depression who don't get treatment.

You are loved and you are valued. If you're struggling, please help yourself and talk to a professional.

BTheOne.org Tips:

Getting enough sleep is crucial for good mental health. Studies found that 70% of cases of depression followed periods of insufficient sleep.

Feeling hopeless?

1-800-273-8255

"Thank you for telling me - I know it's not always easy."

"Have you thought about finding support? Maybe I could help you look."

"Wanna get together and go shopping on Friday?"

Learn more at: BTheOne.org

Text Message: Don't forget to come at 6

Text Message: Hey

Text Message: I'm really struggling right now I didn't tell you

Text Message: It's just not getting better

Do you know what to say?

How about:

"What you're going through seems really hard. Anyway I can help?"

"Can you tell more more about how you're feeling? I'll do my best to understand.""

"I have noticed you seem to be doing better lately. Is that how it feels for you?"