Mental health is our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. Mental illness is a disorder that affects a person's thinking, feeling, or mood. It affect's how someone can relate to others, perform at work or school, or enjoy things they once used to.  Experiencing a mental illness is not a result of one event and it's not a debate of nature versus nurture. In truth, it's a little bit of both. We can have genetic predispositions to certain things (like diabetes or anxiety) but every person has a different level of environmental factors or lifestyle influences that will play a part in their mental health experience as well. Even if two people have the same diagnosis, they will have different experiences. Mental illness is extremely individual. 

1 in 5 Americans will have a mental health issue this year. 1 in 4 will have experience with mental health, whether in the past or with a loved one. You are not alone!

• Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide - mental health and mental health challenges are experienced across the world, across all genders, ethnicities, socio-economic statuses, you get the picture. 

• Suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth ages 18-24. But, suicide is preventable. There is always another option for feeling better.

• 67% of college students first tell a friend they are feeling suicidal before telling anyone else. Being a mental health ally and friend can save a life. 

Being a mental health ally can help others or even save a life! Changing the conversation about mental health encourages others to take care of themselves, ask for help when they need it, or make positive changes. By talking to one another and connecting over our shared experiences, we can live happier and healthier lives.

Friends, you can play a critical role in supporting those who may be struggling. It's reported that 76% of young adults will turn to a peer in a time of crisis for support. This is a generation that is ready to crack open the cultural conversation about mental health, they just need some support and guidance to do it. Getting started is usually the hardest part. Starting the conversation is uncomfortable because we often don't even know what to say. We put together some research-backed tools on how to help a friend you think is in need. Something that we have found to be extremely effective is to speak from personal experiences as opposed to giving advice. We only know what people are willing to tell us, so there is often much more to the story than we know.

Rather than saying, "I think you should..." it is more appropriate to say something like, "What you are saying reminds me of when I went through... and I found that it was very helpful for me to..." Being vulnerable and opening up can often inspire the same in return, and can often give another perspective of how to deal with something. Try to be patient and nonjudgemental about how and what they might share with you. Don't feel like you have to give advice or know all the answers. Just sitting with someone as they try to navigate their distress can be very powerful. These are just a few of the many ways that you can help loved ones. So much of it depends on the situation and each one is different. Listen to your gut, use your best judgment and use these prompts to guide you.

• If someone is in distress, they made need reassurance. Let them know that it is possible to feel better and they are not alone.

• Let them know it is ok to ask for help and doing so is a sign of courage, strength, and good judgment. 

• Listen to them (really listen) - be comfortable with silence if that is what they need.

• If something doesn't make sense, ask about it, don't try to fill in the gaps with your own thoughts or words or jump to conclusions. 

Conversation Starters:

• "I'm worried about how because you seem..." (sad, withdrawn, etc.)

• "It concerned me when you said..." and be specific about what you heard.

• "Do you want to talk about it?"; "What can I do to help?"

• "It's okay if you don't want to talk to me, but I would feel better if you would talk to someone."

Remember, if you're in a crisis: You are not alone, and help is always available. Get immediate support 24/7. Reach out to the Crisis Text Line by texting SEIZE to 741741 or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. It's free, and everything you tell them is confidential, unless it's essential to contact emergency services to keep you or your friend safe.