11 Ways to Support Your Loved Ones’ Mental Health This Summer

Young Americans are more stressed out than ever, and there’s certainly a lot to be stressed about -- a major health crisis, a highly publicized election year, and a global reckoning on police brutality and anti-Black racism, to name a few.

The fact is, you have the power to seriously improve the mental health of those around you. That’s why DoSomething members are working together towards a happier and healthier generation through our New State of Mind campaign, powered by Blue Shield California. Through the campaign, we asked our members:

What’s one way you plan to support a friend or family member’s mental health this summer?

We’ll use their advice to create a first-of-its-kind mental health guide that’s for students, by students. For now, read on to hear what these DoSomething members are doing to support their loved ones’ mental health.

1) Antonia, 19, Ohio

“I’m here as a support system for my friends, family, and my significant other. Somebody close to me lives in a different area and I always make sure to check on them, talk to them, and just give them a nice time away from thinking about all that’s going one with Black Lives Matter protests and COVID-19. Being in college and having to move online due to COVID was really stressful for my friends and I, but I make sure we find ways to de-stress and enjoy ourselves even in these hard times.”

2) Terry, 19, California

“The key to managing stress this summer is realizing what's truly under one's control and buddying up with a friend to keep you accountable to that perspective. While none of us can solve a global health crisis, we all can partake in an activity that makes us FEEL productive, one that enables us to realize that we have control over our destinies. When you engage in activities that put YOU in the driver's seat and compare notes with a friend, it's a double whammy in mollifying everyone's stress!”

3) Emelia, 16, Nebraska

“Between my sister, my mom, and me, we have several mental illnesses, so my family understands mental health; we also understand that we can manage it by managing our stress. Every morning and evening, we sit down and journal, even if we don't feel like it because when we don't feel like it is when we need to put our feelings on paper the most. In addition, my family conducts daily check-ins in our group chat, encouraging each other and talking about what is causing stress for us.”

4) Madelyn, 19, New Jersey

“For the past couple years, my friend Leo has struggled with depression related to his unhealthy diet and lack of motivation to exercise. He was improving a lot in college, but as quarantine started, he fell back into old bad habits. I love to cook and bake, so I recently suggested that we try cooking healthy recipes together while video calling, four times a week. He agreed, and yesterday we made pan-seared salmon and brussels sprouts! I’m excited to find more healthy recipes for our cooking calls!”

5) Diana, 19, California

“My mom and I used to garden when I was younger. As soon as I got older, we didn't really have the time. I think now that we're both cooped up at home, and the fact that we've both been experiencing some anxiety, we can start planting our favorite flowers again -- marigolds, sunflowers, and dahlias. She can disconnect from the media world, as she's been obsessed with Facebook, and I from school work.”

6) Sophia, 18, Wisconsin

“I myself suffer from mental health issues and I've walked down a long, hard path to get to where I am today. To support a friend, I will show my love for them and listen to them with an open mind. Sincerity and empathy are very important. I will frequently check in with them and ask them if they are drinking enough water, going outside, etc. Physical health affects mental health and vice versa. I will remind them to be kind to themself. Everything will be okay.”

7) Grace, 17, Alabama

“Constantly check in. We underestimate the power of a simple ‘How are you?’ asked on a consistent basis. Right now, a lot of people aren't doing okay, and all they want is for someone to listen to them. It lets the people in your life know you sincerely want to look out for them, and by really asking, not just hearing someone say, "Fine," and moving on, you're giving them an outlet. It also means they're likely to be there for you in return.”

8) Alex, 16, Illinois

“1) Offer reassurance. When you're feeling overwhelmed, it can be difficult to see a way out of a problem. Reminding and reassuring someone that this won't last forever and that the situation can improve will help keep things in perspective. 2) Listen. Talking things through openly can help us see things differently and find new solutions. Knowing that somebody is there to listen can make a huge difference. Giving someone your time and attention is a great thing you can do to support them.”

9) Berean, 18, California

“These past days have been particularly stressful as a young Black man. Aside from the pain and distress felt, it has been incredibly stressful to continue to work and be productive while knowing what is going on in America and seeing the constant videos, tweets, and posts on social media. I have kept my stress down and productivity up by planning my day and being reasonable about workload expectations, and putting slots in every day for self-care and social media-free times.”

10) Kadidiatou, 17, New York

“I believe that mental health is crucial to acknowledge since it impacts a person all throughout. I can help my friends and family by checking upon them often by asking simple questions like: ‘How are you doing right now?’ or ‘Did you eat today?’ Furthermore, if they haven't eaten much, I send them interesting recipes that they could easily make. Also, I give the option to talk out their feelings with me or change the topic to something humorous if they would prefer.”

11) Rashi, 20, New Jersey

“There are some really excellent, but not well known apps out there that help support mental health. I have used them while battling depression and anxiety, and continue to use them to help support me during these tough times. These apps are Shine and Youper. I will recommend them to my friends and family. Shine has wonderful guided meditations and Youper is a personal therapist robot who will talk to you about your stressors whenever you want.”