Today’s #BeKind21 message is brought to you by our partners at Mental Health First Aid.

“It’s okay to not be okay.” These words are an important reminder for all of us. It’s okay to talk about how you’re feeling, admit that you’re not okay, and ask for help if you need it.

We know it’s hard to talk about your mental health and ask for help sometimes. That’s why taking a course like Mental Health First Aid is so valuable. It gives you permission and tools to have those difficult conversations, support people around you, and get the help you or they might need.

This can be especially hard for young people, which is why we’re excited to share information about the new teen Mental Health First Aid program with you! This program is currently being piloted in schools around the country and teaches high school students how to support each other in times of need with a tMHFA Action Plan.

When Born This Way Foundation co-founder Lady Gaga spoke with some of the first cohort of students to receive teen Mental Health First Aid training in the United States, she said, “My dream is that this [program] happens in every school. I’m just so proud of all of you.” 

Subscribe to our tMHFA updates to stay in the loop about how you can get involved or bring the program to your school.

Remember: it’s okay to ask for help. We all face tough times and supporting each other is a critical way to heal and move forward.

Your kindness challenge today: Click here to sign up for a Mental Health First Aid class! Take a friend or family member with you and learn about even more ways to be kind and #BeTheDifference.

In Kindness,

Chuck Ingoglia
President and CEO
National Council for Behavioral Health