The Jed Foundation

In partnership with

Brave Talk was developed by Maybelline New York in partnership with The Jed Foundation as part of Maybelline’s commitment to support young adult mental health.

It is a free 90-minute, expert-developed training designed to be delivered by college staff to students so that they have the skills to support peers who may be struggling and help connect them to care.

Bring Brave Talk to your campus
Almost 60% of students say they have received advice or support for their mental health from a roommate or a friend in the past years.
*Data from the 2022-2023 Healthy Minds Study

Bring BraveTalk to Your Campus

More About Brave Talk

Brave Talk is interactive and discussion-based so students can:

  • Better identify signs of distress in friends and peers
  • Discuss barriers to helping
  • Apply strategies to engage in a conversation with a peer in distress
  • List places and resources that can be used to support a peer

Brave Talk includes “Brave Steps”, which provide concrete tips on how to start a conversation with a friend who might be struggling.

This website is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. If you or someone you know needs to talk to someone right now, text, call or chat 988 or text HOME to 741-741 for a free confidential conversation with a trained counselor. For medical emergencies—or if there is immediate danger of harm—call 911, and explain that you need support for a mental health crisis.

5 Steps to Starting the Conversation

  • BE PRESENT

    TRUST YOUR GUT - THINGS DON'T SEEM RIGHT

  • RIGHT SETTING

    START THE CONVO - IN PRIVATE & WITH CARE

  • ASK QUESTIONS

    BE A FRIEND - SHARE WHAT YOU NOTICE & ASK ABOUT IT

  • VALIDATE FEELINGS

    LISTEN & SHOW SUPPORT - BUT KNOW YOUR LIMITS

  • ENCOURAGE ACTION

    SHARE SUPPORT RESOURCES - TEXT TOGETHER AT 741741 TO BE CONNECTED WITH A CRISIS COUNSELOR

More About Maybelline Brave Together

Brave Talk is an important part of Maybelline New York’s Brave Together initiative. Maybelline New York believes two foundations of mental wellness are self-confidence and self-expression. Brave Together represents the evolution of Maybelline New York’s core values. This global cause initiative is dedicated to breaking the stigma around anxiety and depression while addressing challenges and providing resources to those in need, specifically for Gen Z. Half of all mental health conditions develop by age 14, and with COVID-19, those numbers only continued to rise.

As the #1 cosmetics brand in the world, Maybelline New York’s goal is to use its platform to bring awareness to an issue that is top of mind to so many and to provide support to those experiencing emotional and mental health conditions. Through years of extensive research, we have found that early intervention paired with the right resources and access to 1:1 support can make all the difference in a young person’s life, and since COVID-19, the need for resources has only increased. In a world where 1 in 5 people are affected by anxiety and depression, Maybelline New York has committed to donate $10 million to mental health organizations and support 1 million conversations by 2025. For more information about Brave Together, please visit maybelline.com/bravetogether.