Be the person who calls her asking how her first therapy session went. And even if she wasn’t sure about it, encourages her to try again.

Be the person who texts him to ask how he’s feeling now that he’s on medication. If he has weird side effects, encourage him to talk to his doctor and find another one

Be the person who doesn’t roll your eyes, annoyed, when you get a text message with canceled plans yet again because you know in your heart that your friend’s depression must be eating her up.

Be the person who dares to show up during the bad times. The one who puts an arm around his shoulder and becomes his hope that he’s worthy and deserves to get better.

Be the person who listens instead of saying it’s all in your head, things could be worse, and snap out of it. The one who lets her share as much or as little as she wants, as long as she’s sharing.

Be the person who responds with kindness, compassion, and without any judgment.

Be the person who hands her an oxygen mask and helps her breathe when her anxiety leaves her breathing rapidly and sweating, as she calls you for help.

Be the person who understands he snapped because his anxiety left him stuck in a swirl of emotions, and he had to let it out—the one who won't instigate him to fight more.

Be the person who helps her climb the rope ladder out of the darkness, encouraging her up each rung. Be her bungee cord.

Mental health issues are on the rise right now, and it's very serious.

Figure out how you can best support someone and be their trusted person.

It’s hard to see someone you love in pain and not acting like themselves.

Like any other health problem, someone with mental health issues needs extra love and support.

So, when they want help, grab your pom-poms and cheer them on like you would if it were a physical illness.

Be the cheerleader during someone’s mental health struggle.

They need you.