44% of Black LGBTQ youth seriously considered suicide in the past 12 months, including 59% of Black transgender and nonbinary youth It’s OK to not be OK When we talk about mental illnesses, we start healing together. Here are some tips to stop the silence and start talking about mental health in our community. Show you care Be a safe space for the people you know to talk about their mental illnesses and health concerns. Ask questions and avoid awkward silences. Encourage people to open up. Be kind Try to stay open-minded, positive, and caring. Show the person opening up to you that you care about what they’re trying to say, and that their health matters. Listen Try to listen more instead of offering solutions or being dismissive. Avoid phrases like, “Nothing is wrong with you.” Or, “You’re just sad right now, you’ll get through it.” Join us in the Movement and learn more at: www.IowaHealthiestState.com/BackTheBlack 27 Keep in contact Offer to be available by phone, text, email or meeting up in person. Just be there for the person opening up to you, and let them know you’ve got them. Don’t ignore it If someone seems like they’re struggling but they aren’t saying anything, don’t be afraid to ask. Sometimes stopping the silence means starting those hard conversations. Offer support Everyone is different, some people want help and some don’t. Either way, just let the people around you know you’re there for them and will support them.
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