How to help a friend
By understanding how to listen, offer support and encourage professional help, you create a safe and caring environment. Your awareness and actions can help break the stigma surrounding mental health and foster a community where everyone feels supported. Explore resources, learn the signs and be there for those who need you.
Brave Talk
Check on Pack Life for upcoming Brave Talk sessions.
JED’s "Brave Talk" is a peer-to-peer mental health training program designed to help college students recognize when a friend is struggling and equip them with the confidence to have supportive conversations. Created by The Jed Foundation (JED) in collaboration with The Morgan Stanley Foundation, the program focuses on teaching students how to approach sensitive mental health discussions with empathy, active listening and encouragement.
Key aspects of Brave Talk
- Recognizing signs: Identifying when a friend may be struggling emotionally.
- Starting the conversation: Learning how to engage in meaningful and supportive discussions.
- Providing support: Understanding what to say and how to encourage seeking professional help.
- Setting boundaries: Knowing your own limits while helping others.
Be There
Earn your “Be There” certificate.
The "Be There Certificate" is an online mental health education program designed to teach people how to recognize when someone is struggling with their mental health and how to offer support in a safe, effective and compassionate way.
The program covers key topics such as:
- Identifying signs that someone might be experiencing mental health challenges
- Approaching the conversation with empathy and care
- Offering support without judgment while respecting boundaries
- Encouraging the person to seek professional help if needed
The training is free, accessible, and practical for anyone who wants to feel more confident helping friends, peers or family members. By completing the certificate, participants gain valuable skills to make a positive impact in their communities.
Become a Mental Health Advocate
Complete any of the above trainings and become a SUNY Adirondack Mental Health Advocate! You will be featured in the Counseling Center as a recognized advocate, receive a pin to wear on campus, and be invited to a celebration at the end of the academic year!
Email counseling@sunyacc.edu and let us know you want to learn a new skill and help a friend! Instructions will follow!
Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT)
SUNY Adirondack’s Behavioral Intervention Team exists to keep each and every member of our campus community safe. Making a report to a BIT is not about getting someone in trouble — it’s about helping them get the support they need. If you notice a friend, classmate or peer struggling, reporting your concerns could make a life-changing difference.