In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Human Rights Campaign joined the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention for its #RealConvo Twitter chat to discuss how people can talk with and help those in their lives who may be encountering struggles with mental health.

The chat brought together organizations including the Crisis Text Line, To Write Love On Her Arms and the Jed Foundation for an open dialogue around mental health issues and the numerous resources available. Now more than ever as we grapple with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important we share our own stories related to mental health and lift up those of others. Check out the conversation below.

We are live with @afspnational, @CrisisTextLine, @TWLOHA and @jedfoundation to discuss mental health and how we can have a #RealConvo with loved ones in our lives. Stay tuned as we share resources you can use to help others who may be struggling. #MentalHealthMonth https://t.co/Zjr6b9lgwx

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) May 13, 2020

It can be as simple as reaching out and letting them know you’re there to provide non-judgmental support. Invite them to share as little or as much as they feel comfortable and remind them there's no timeline around when they have to share. #RealConvo https://t.co/rDGzFzMCx4

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) May 13, 2020

Affirm that it’s OK to not want to talk about it now and let them know you can follow up another time. Encourage them to find ways to get out the negative emotions in the moment through writing or other forms of non-verbal communication. #RealConvo https://t.co/0mRj5chdTx

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) May 13, 2020

Ask them if they have a plan to harm themselves and access to do so. If they do, connect them to emergency mental health services immediately. They can also find LGBTQ-affirming support through 24/7 hotlines like @TrevorProject or @TransLifeline. #RealConvo https://t.co/W5Adeezcwy

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) May 13, 2020

The best way to feel connected is to reach out - text a friend, call your family, set up a video chat with classmates. These times are especially trying for LGBTQ youth, which is why it’s important to have support in place. #RealConvo https://t.co/CyWRl5kHeL https://t.co/jHqC4GVo5v

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) May 13, 2020

Follow up in whatever way feels right for you & the person, taking into consideration that some people may want more space and time than others. Honor the person’s wishes while also remembering to recognize your own mental health. #RealConvo https://t.co/PDRjy8VIrI

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) May 13, 2020

There are a lot of LGBTQ-focused resources for those struggling with mental health from organizations like @whitmanwalker, @NAMICommunicate, @MentalHealthAM and @nqttcn. You can also connect with @HRC resources throughout #MentalHealthMonth. #RealConvo https://t.co/xasintFTxT https://t.co/JRlkYqFd3O

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) May 13, 2020

Thank you so much to @afspnational, @CrisisTextLine, @TWLOHA and @jedfoundation for today’s #RealConvo around mental health! You can find more of @HRC’s #MentalHealthMonth content and resources for the LGBTQ community on our website. https://t.co/xasintXupr

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) May 13, 2020