We all love our friends, but it can be easy to feel like we can’t make a difference in their life. We have each other’s backs, but sometimes knowing exactly what to say when they come to you can be difficult. We want our friends to know we care, but what happens when we can’t fix their problems?
Here’s the good news, you don’t need to fix your friends’ problems to support them. The best way you can support, is to validate their feelings, and make them feel supported.
Nearly 70% of young people say they want to help their friends, but feel unsure how. That’s why Active Minds teamed up with SHOWTIME/MTV Entertainment Studios to create a simple framework, A.S.K. Acknowledge, Support, Keep-in-Touch.
Acknowledge: Create a supportive space by focusing your attention on the conversation.
Support: Let them know you’re there for them. Offer a listening ear without judgment and validate their feelings.
Keep-in-Touch: Checking back in regularly shows you care and want to keep building your connection.
A.S.K., the “stop, drop, and roll” of emotional support, is a simple and memorable way to take action and be there for the people you care about.
None of us have all the answers, but your presence and support make a world of difference.
Visit our YouTube and start putting A.S.K into action!
Together, we can create a world where everyone feels confident in providing support and building connections. Let’s be there for each other, because feeling supported starts by knowing someone cares.
Check out what some of our friends who are helping to spread the word about A.S.K:
- Mean Girls — so fetch!
- Sponge Bob and Patrick A.S.K. each other!
- Comedy Central/Rose Kelso — we have a jingle!
- The U.S. Surgeon General:
This month, we’ll be sharing all the ways you can make a difference on your friends, classmates, and community.
Follow along on our YouTube channel, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat!
