Celebrating World Mental Health Day

Stories have the power to change and save lives. They make us feel less alone, connect us to our communities, and inspire us to share our stories. At The Jed Foundation (JED) we share stories so teens and young adults know they’re not alone—no matter what they’re going through. There is support and help available right now. 

This World Mental Health Day we invite you to join us, share your stories, connect with friends or family, and start a lifesaving conversation.

Find Inspiration From Stories 

• South Korean singer and actor HANI opens up about the consequences of her anxiety, how she creates her own values and standards, and the importance of a strong inner-self and self-love. Watch the teaser and tune in to the first episode from JED and Mindset by DIVE Studios on Oct. 11.
• K-Pop superstar WONWOO of SEVENTEEN opens up about the uncertainties he’s had in his career, as well as how he deals with burnout and supports his fellow band members. Watch the full collection.
• Therapists are trained to be good listeners with good advice. In “Each and Every Day,” from MTV Entertainment Studios and JED, Hannah finds a therapist she clicks with and discovers her own Black girl magic. Watch her story and learn everything you need to know about therapy—from finding it to affording it.
• Gigi Robinson is a Gen Z influencer, model, and mental health advocate, among many other things. Tune in as she shares her philosophy and tips for dealing with haters, trolls, and negative comments, as well as more internal reactions such as social comparison.

Check In With Yourself

• It’s not selfish to take time for yourself. JED’s Mental Health Resource Center can help you with any challenge you are facing, from simply feeling off to wondering if you may be living with a mental health condition and how to get help for all the ups and downs of life. 
• Explore Press Pause, an experience from JED and powered by PINK, to find simple ways to protect your mental health and boost your mood. You’ll find guided videos for breath, meditation, movement, affirmation, and more. 
• At 10:10 a.m. PT (1:10 pm ET), join JED and our partners for a collective moment of stillness and meditation to celebrate and amplify the power of love. Sign up at stillinlove.org.

Check In With Your Friends and Loved Ones 

• Starting a conversation about mental health doesn’t need to be uncomfortable. Let your loved ones know they aren’t alone by reaching out to them. Visit SeizeTheAwkward.org for ways to support a friend, learn the signs, and access resources to get help. Seize The Awkward is an award-winning campaign from the JED and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in collaboration with the Ad Council.
• Want to reach out to a friend, but you’re not sure where to start? Check out these opening lines to make starting the conversation easier and these guides to helping friends with everything from having a hard day to self-harm and thoughts of suicide. 
• If you need some words of encouragement, watch our latest PSA featuring Megan Thee Stallion reminding us all that it’s OK to not be OK.