NON-CRISIS SUPPORT

Supporting someone who is struggling with their mental health — but not currently in crisis — is incredibly important. Early, compassionate support can prevent situations from becoming emergencies.
When someone shares that they’re not okay, or they seem overwhelmed, hopeless, anxious, withdrawn, or “off,” your presence can make a difference.

This page offers guidance on how to support someone with empathy, clarity, and connection.

Don’t sugarcoat or “beat around the bush.” The brain needs clarity. Removing your own discomfort helps them feel safe to open up.

Try saying things like:

Often, people don’t need fixing — they need someone who will sit with them, hear them, and not make them feel worse.

Your job isn’t to solve their pain.
It’s to help them not feel alone in it.

Validation doesn’t mean agreement — it means acknowledgment.

This helps the brain slow down and think.

Youth brains are not fully developed until age 25–28. The rational part develops last.

To them:

…can feel like the end of the world. Logic doesn’t soothe it.

The most effective support is:

It’s okay if you’re not in a place to support someone. Check in with yourself first.

If you’re overwhelmed or not emotionally available, reach out to:

before trying to hold someone else’s weight.

If someone is struggling, gently encourage professional support, peer support, or resources.

Remind them they don’t have to go through it alone.

Most people who express emotional pain do not want to die; they want relief.
Talking about suicidal thoughts does not make them worse — it often helps clarify the pain.
Suicidal thoughts are time-limited and can pass with support.
The best long-term prevention is connection and community.

If you feel concerned about their safety at any point, visit our Crisis Support page for the next steps.