MISSION
Help destigmatize anxiety + depression, offering access to free 1-to-1 support so no one has to struggle alone.
COMMITMENTS
Committed to raising $10M and supporting 1 million conversations globally by 2025
RESOURCES
BE BRAVE.
HAVE THE TALK.
HELP A FRIEND.
Start training now
BE PRESENT
Trust your instincts when something feels off. Know what to look for.
Unlike physical health, experiencing mental health challenges often comes with a lot of vulnerability and sensitivity, which can leave people feeling less than ready to share.
Everybody has off days or even off stretches of days, but when interference becomes persistent, then it’s important to take note. Areas in which you may notice change: Changes in appearance, mood, speech, behavior, their relationships, their academic performance, their level of engagement with hobbies and things they enjoy doing, sleep patterns or even their physical health and hygiene.
RIGHT SETTING
Look for a good time and place to start the conversation.
While some people might find that starting a conversation with a friend in the midst of everyday life, like at the cafeteria or at the gym, is helpful – be mindful that what your friend shares may be overheard in public places. Having a private talk is safest.
Be well fed, rested, calm and alert
Be prepared to fully listen
Silence your cell phone (and put it away)
Respect privacy
Don't make promises you can't keep (regarding safety)
ASK QUESTIONS
Share what you notice and ask about it.
The first tip is to be as concrete and specific as possible about what you have noticed. It is harder for your friend to dismiss your inquiry with an “I’m ok” if they are asked to recognize the changes or behaviors you point out.
The best way to show compassion is to simply listen for words and emotions, rather than starting to think about how you might fix something. Feeling heard can be very powerful and healing.
VALIDATE FEELINGS
Listen deeply and show support.
Validating feelings doesn't have to be hard, and it doesn't even have to involve a lot of words. Nodding your head and maintaining eye contact when someone is sharing something vulnerable with you can be very validating.
Sometimes you can do all the right things and still meet resistance. If you do, it’s OK. Don’t push hard if someone isn’t ready to share, it’s more important to keep the door open. Stay connected and check on them periodically.
ENCOURAGE ACTION
Know and share your resources.
Exercise, meditation, volunteering, etc. – support their form of self-care and even offer to join them in activities that help them in their journey.
It is not your responsibility to be an expert or clinician. Be prepared to share local resources available at your school or community where they can go to seek real help. Also encourage them to save a crisis text line in their phone.
SOMETHING ON YOUR MIND?
If you are feeling anxious or depressed, reach out to one of our local partners who are here to support.
OUR PARTNERS
ASK QUESTIONS
Share what you notice and ask about it.
ReachOut is the leading mental health service in Australia supporting young people during tough times.
Learn MoreYouthline is a “with youth, for youth” that supports young people throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.
Learn More
Maybelline has always believed in the power of making things happen in your life, and we know that mental health is critical in feeling ready to do that. We want to use our brand’s global reach to drive this conversation and make support easily accessible.
TRISHA AYYAGARI
Maybelline New York Global Brand President
DISCOVER MORE REOURCES
Learn more with resources from our partner ReachOut.
SPOT THE SIGNS
Discover moreTALK ABOUT IT
Explore moreEXPLORE RESOURCES
Discover morePRACTISE SELF-CARE
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