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Starting conversations about mental health
Mental health can be hard to talk about. But it doesn’t have to be. Asking for help — or offering support to someone else — can be life-changing. Here are some tips for how to begin these important discussions.
How to ask for help
When you’re ready to talk about mental health with someone you trust and ask for their support, there’s no script to follow. You know yourself best. It’s important to know that you don’t need to share everything — only what’s important to you. Having an idea of what you want to say can make it easier.
Find your words — opening up to someone you trust
- “I think something’s wrong because I feel _____. I’m worried that I may be depressed. Can we talk?”
- “I want to talk to you about something that’s hard for me to put into words. I feel _____, and it’s been going on for a while now.”
- “I think I should see a therapist, but I’m scared. Can you help me find one and make sure I keep the appointment?”
- “I want to let you know that I’m living with depression. I may need extra support while I’m dealing with this.”
- “Even though I may seem fine on the outside, I feel _____ on the inside.”
- “You can support me by _____. That would be really helpful to me.

How to help someone else
When someone you care about is struggling with a mental health issue, it can be hard to know what to say. The most important thing is to listen with an open mind. But there are also things you can say to let them know you want to help.

Find your words — try these conversation starters
- “You’re not alone in this. I may not understand exactly how you feel, but I care about you and want to help.”
- “Asking for help is a sign of strength. Have you talked to your doctor about this?”
- “I’m here for you. Whenever you want to talk, I’ll listen — I’m just a call or a text away.”
- “Depression is a real health issue that can be treated. What steps can you take to talk to a doctor or counselor about how you’re feeling?”
- “What can I do to support you?”
Finding your words — let’s talk about mental health
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