Seize the Awkward — How to Talk with a Friend Who’s Struggling [video] [downloadable]

Talking to your friend about mental health can be scary – but reaching out when you’re feeling down or when you see a friend struggling can make a huge difference.

Everybody experiences mental health issues in different ways. Some common signs of distress may include: not acting like they normally do, a loss of interest in the things they used to enjoy, talking about feelings of hopelessness, being more reckless, or isolating from family and friends.

Seize the Awkward is a campaign that encourages friends to check in with one another and offers tips to make it easier to talk about mental health.

In a PSA video for Seize the Awkward, Billie Eilish opens up about her personal connection to mental health.

View the Seize the Awkward PSA:

Help encourage others to reach out and support friends who may be struggling with their mental health by bringing Seize the Awkward to your community. Download the Campus Toolkit for tips and tools that you can use to encourage conversations between peers at your school.

 Seize the Awkward is collaboration among the Ad Council, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the JED Foundation

A screening can help you determine if you or someone you care about should contact a mental health professional. Care Coordinators can arrange a free 30 minute Care Consultation so you can explore options with an expert. Call or email our Care Coordinators at 650.688.3625 or careteam@chconline.org to set up an initial Consultation appointment.