be nice.™

mental health foundation of west michigan

be nice.
an upstream mental health and suicide prevention program with an action plan

At its most basic, be nice. is a four-step action plan to notice, invite, challenge and empower individuals to take action when they or someone they know may be experiencing a change in their mental health. Take it a step further, and be nice. becomes a program that uses the action plan as a basis for mental health and suicide prevention education in schools, workplaces, and faith congregations.

Under the leadership of Executive Director Christy Buck, the Foundation enlisted Grand Valley State University researchers to conduct an evidence-based study within schools to prove the effectiveness of the program. Results prove the implementation of be nice. in schools creates a positive culture and increases mental health referrals and suicide prevention behaviors.

read the study

Confidence

be nice. programming gives individuals the confidence to intervene with mental health concerns and stand up to mean behavior.

1 in 5 People Affected

Mental illnesses affect 1 in 5 people or 20% of the population.

2nd Leading Cause

Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among 10-24 year olds, and the 10th leading cause of death in the United States.

77% of suicides

are completed by white, middle-aged males.

Undiagnosed, untreated or inadequately treated mental health conditions can affect a student’s ability to learn, grow, and develop.

Depression

is the leading cause of disability worldwide.

You can make a difference today.

Learn each step of the be nice. action plan below!

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notice

notice what is right and good about someone so you can notice when something is different about the way that person is thinking, acting, or feeling- their mental health!

Below are signs and symptoms of a mental illness like depression or anxiety. A change in someone’s behavior, physical appearance, or psyche lasting two weeks or longer could be a developing mental health concern.

behavioral

Quitting favorite sport/hobby
Avoiding social interaction
Sudden/unlikely drug or alcohol use
Cry frequently for no reason
Neglect responsibilities, loss of motivation
Can’t sleep or sleep constantly

physical

Lack of hygiene, personal appearance
Fatigue, lack of energy
Overeating or loss of appetite
Weight loss or gain
Headaches
Unexplained aches or pains

psychological

Acting out, aggressive, quick to anger
Heightened sadness, guilt, indecisiveness
Lack of emotional responsiveness
Frequent self-criticism
Hopelessness, loneliness
Thoughts of death or suicide

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invite

The second step of the be nice. action plan involves taking a risk and reaching out. If you notice changes lasting two weeks or longer, it’s time to invite yourself to check in with that person or open up to someone you trust if you are personally struggling.

Eight out of ten people considering suicide give some sign of their intentions.

invitation to connect:

social connection improves mental, physical, and emotional well being.
individuals who feel more connected to others have lower levels of anxiety and depression along with higher self esteem and greater empathy for others.
a sense of belonging is a human need. Illnesses like depression can be a lonely journey and feelings of prolonged isolation can have detrimental effects to our health - mental and physical. Feeling like you belong is an important aspect in seeing your value in life and coping with painful emotions or situations.

invitation for change:

invite yourself to make a change in your school, workplace, or community to create a healthier environment by implementing mental health education and awareness.

invitation for conversation:

Invite yourself to tell the individual you are concerned using an “I” statement. “Can we talk? I’ve noticed you haven’t been yourself lately, and I’m really worried about you.”
invite yourself to listen with empathy and understanding. Be patient - it could be the first time this person is opening up about their mental health.

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challenge

The challenge step takes on a number of roles; challenge the stigma surrounding mental illness and treatment, challenge yourself or an individual to get help, and challenge yourself to ask the tough questions.

More than 90% of people who die by suicide have a mental health condition.

challenge stigma

be open when talking about mental health! Don’t let stigma create self doubt and shame.
be conscious of language. Don’t use mental illness as an adjective…”He’s so bipolar.”
be supportive! Show compassion for individuals with mental illness.
be aware. Educate yourself with the basics of mental health and complete the be nice. Pledge. Knowledge creates the confidence to take action!

Signs someone is in crisis

Feeling helpless, hopeless, or worthless
social isolation
quitting something they previously loved like a sport or hobby
increased irritability or rage
giving away their belongings or saying goodbyes

Getting help

If you or someone you know is feeling suicidal, call 9-1-1. A trained professional will be dispatched to help come up with a plan to keep you alive.
If you need to talk to someone about how you’re thinking, acting, or feeling call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK). They are available 24/7 and the call is anonymous. They are trained listeners ready to lend an ear. There is always someone willing to help.

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empower

empower yourself and others with the knowledge that YOU can have an effect on how a person thinks, acts, and feels. be empowered with the knowledge that there are resources to help and there is always hope.

Two in five Americans sometimes or always feel that their relationships are not meaningful (43 percent) and they are isolated from others.

Protective Factors

Identifying at least one trusted person in your life
Access to and utilizing services
Being involved in activities and groups at or outside of school or work
Supportive family members, friends, and coworkers
Having self-awareness
Positive role models, outlook on life, and/or attitude
Faith

Coping with depression or anxiety

be active! There are plenty of ways to exercise without hitting the weights or running a marathon. Find something you enjoy and stick to it!

be healthy. Your nutrition plays a major role in your overall health - mental and physical. Balanced meals and staying hydrated fuel your body and mind in a positive way.

sleep matters! You need to be recharged every day, and without sleep, your body and mind will eventually shut down. Make 8-10 hours a night a priority for maintaining good health.

be safe. Avoid harmful substances and realize that drugs or alcohol are not healthy ways to cope with stress. They may feel good in the moment, but they can be dangerous in the long run.

take the pledge to be nice.TM

Knowledge creates the confidence to take action when it comes to mental health!

Join the 45,180 individuals who have taken the pledge to support mental health and suicide prevention in their community.

pledge to be nice. in your community

be aware. be active. be nice.™

Stomp Out Stigma Walk 2021
Join us for the 19th Annual Stomp Out Stigma Walk

walk with us!
Webinar Series
Educating you wherever you are so you have the knowledge and confidence to take action when it comes to mental health.

check it out!
be nice. ambassadors
Join the be team - We are looking for advocates who are passionate about representing our mission and helping us spread awareness surrounding the be nice. action plan as a lifestyle.

learn more
Faith and Mental Health Podcast
This podcast focuses on building community among mental health professionals and faith leaders.

listen now
be nice. School Liaison Trainings
NEW and REBOOT Liaison Training happening this spring. Sign up below!

Sign Up Here!
Mental Health in the Media
Creating awareness, educating the community, saving lives.

Mental Health in the Media

"The be nice. model is an easy-to-understand, acronym that has been proven to help kids, teens, and adults, struggling with mental health - myself included. I am so thankful for the MHF. They all treat me like family, like I matter, and like they want me around. That is a big deal when you’re lonely and struggling with depression."

- Danielle Dykhuis

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Donate Now

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if you are in crisis and need immediate help call 911 or 1.800.273.8255

be nice.™

mental health foundation of west michigan

be nice.
an upstream mental health and suicide prevention program with an action plan

You can make a difference today.

Learn each step of the be nice. action plan below!