When Someone Comes To You For Help

The two biggest points of The Fingerprint Project are reaching out and knowing how to respond. Telling others that they are allowed to ask for help is pointless if no one knows how to respond to the people who need help.

The first thing to do is to believe. Those who struggle with mental illness already deal with a ton of self doubt, so to question them or to be condescending towards them will not be helpful.

The next step would be to let them know you are available to them. Let them know you’ll be there to listen and help in anyways you can. However, don’t say this unless you’re committed to it.

After this, you’ll want to help them find resources available to them. Even if you don’t know of any, encourage them to talk to a school counselor or search online for places near you.

The last step is the most important. Be there for them. You can’t force them to do anything they’re not comfortable with. Support them in their decisions, even if you don’t agree 100%. But also remember to tell someone if you believe they are in danger or hurting themselves or others. Their safety is your number one concern.

Take some time today to learn about what mental health resources are available in your local area, so you may pass these along to someone in need!

❗️Call 911 if you or someone you know needs immediate attention

❗️National Suicide Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

❗️Your Life Iowa: Call (855) 581-8111 or text (855) 895-8398

id: This image has a photograph of the back of too people standing together. One has long black hair with a flower crown. The other has long reddish blond hair and has their arm over the shoulder of the other person. There is black and white text over a semi-opaque green box. The text reads, “The Fingerprint Project”, “Mental Health Awareness Month”, and “When someone comes to you for help”. /end id