Meredith Foster

Transcript

Hi, my name is Meredith Foster, and I have a few friends that have struggled with mental health issues in the past. You never know when someone may be struggling with something or battling something. When someone just doesn't seem themselves and they seem a little bit more quiet and reserved, and they're not opening up to other people as much as they usually do, you always have to listen to your gut feeling, and so it is so important to, even if it's awkward at first, to reach out to them and ask them how they're doing. Be that person that they can count on and let them know that they're not alone in this and there's people that will support them through whatever they're going through. When someone who is very close to you is struggling with mental health issues, it can be really tough, especially when you want to help so much and you know that they want help, but they don't ask for help. Even when they say they're okay, sometimes they're not. Letting that person know that it's okay to feel the way they're feeling, and their feelings are valid, and there's nothing wrong with that, because I think sometimes they're afraid to tell someone how they're feeling, how they really, truly are feeling. And so, just being able to be open with someone, and honest, and let them know that you're there for them, and there's no judgment, and they can be honest with you, is really important. The best thing you can do for someone who is struggling with mental health issues, someone that's either close to you, or someone that is just an acquaintance, is be there for them, be their support team, and let them know that they're not alone in this, and you always have their back.