Join the Movement

If you're reading this, you might be wondering what YOU can do for your community. To give you the tools to help others, we created the Ambassador program. We also made a set of "digital posters" which you can download below. Posting these to your Snapchat or Instagram stories can spread these important messages to hundreds of your peers, and they're pretty cool too!

See more information about the Ambassador program on social media.

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Steps Overview

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Help Someone Struggling: an overview

Ask
Not just a vague "how are you". Be direct and don't delay the conversation. Ask questions like: "Are you thinking about suicide?"
Keep Them Safe
Don't hesitate to call 911 or bring in an adult if you need to.
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.
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.
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

Phone Tilt

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tilt your phone screen from the bottom

Learn to save a life

Go to BTheOne.org

Validation: a life skill in 30 sections - overview

Validation (1 of 2)

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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 (2 of 2)

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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.