1. Educate yourself

Chances are you know someone who suffers from a mental illness. Whether it be a family member, a friend, a peer, teammate, a friend of a friend or even yourself, most of us know someone who is living with a mental illness. Education is arguably one of the most important things we can do for those who struggle with a mental illness. By learning about the specific illnesses people face, you may be able to understand more of what it is people go through on a day-to-day basis. Understanding different mental health conditions can allow you to better support the people you know who are facing these battles.

 2. Be aware of your attitudes and behavior

We’ve all grown up with prejudices and judgmental thinking. But we can change the way we think! See people as unique human beings, not as labels or stereotypes. See the person beyond their mental illness; they have many other personal attributes that do not disappear just because they also have a mental illness.

 3. Be an advocate

We have to have start the conversation about mental health. It takes vulnerability and courage to have these difficult conversations, but talking about mental illness is the only way to end the stigma. Sometimes, this might mean opening up and sharing about yourself. It can also mean creating a safe place for someone to come and share their story. When we come together and have these conversations-when we invest in the stories of other people-it gives us the power to make a difference in the lives of others. You can encourage others to lead by example through the use of person first language, and correcting those who do not speak correctly about mental illness.

 4. Support people

You do not have to have a mental illness to support those who do! Everyone can help raise awareness about mental health. Treat people who have mental health problems with dignity and respect. Think about how you’d like others to act toward you if you were in the same situation. If you have family members, friends or co-workers with substance use or mental health problems, support their choices and encourage their efforts to get well. It helps others know that they are loved, supported and not alone.

  5.Practice empathy and compassion

Kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human transformation. It is simple and even cliché but cannot be said enough: be kind to one another. We are all facing our own demons, challenges and struggles. We are all fighting battles in which others may know nothing about. Be the reason someone smiles today, hold the door for someone and help others when you can. Give people the benefit of the doubt and practice forgiveness. All we want in life is to love and be loved. Each and every day, we get the opportunity to decide what kind of impact we will have on the lives and world around us—make it a good one. Sometimes, a selfless gesture or a moment of reassurance, even something as simple as a smile can be enough to save someone.

 6. Listen

If you have been deemed trustworthy and safe by someone who is struggling, embrace it. It is not always easy to let others in. Sharing some of our deepest and darkest secrets with others is not easy. That being said, it is not always easy to take on all of that. It is okay to not know what to say or what to do. Listen; be present, and offer hope. You don't have to understand what they're going through, or know the perfect things to say or know exactly what to do. But you can listen. You can whisper words of hope and encouragement when they are drowning in the screams of darkness. You can take them for a drive, eat ice cream, be a shoulder to cry on, or just sit with them. It may not feel as though you are helping, but believe me, you are just by physically being there.

 7. Educate others

Find opportunities to pass on facts and positive attitudes about people with mental health problems. If your friends, family, co-workers or even the media present information that is not true, challenge their myths and stereotypes. Let them know how their negative words and incorrect descriptions affect people with mental health problems by keeping alive the false ideas.

 8. Share your story

If you or someone you know is living with a mental illness, encourage them to share their story. It took me years to find my voice, but I am so happy that I did. We are all just living stories that want to be heard, understood and validated. I decided to share my story because everyone deserves to know that their story is important, and their voice will be heard; there are people who will listen. People can read my story and know that they are not alone. You too can share your story. Everybody has different experiences, different perspectives, all of which add value to the lives of others. When you share your story, you let others know that it is okay to tell theirs.