Register to walk in Stomp Out Stigma 2023. Click here for details!be nice.take the pledgebe nice. en Españolour programsbusinessschoolsteamfaithbe nice. bookMental Health First Aid/QPR Trainingget helpcrisis hotlinefind local treatmentunderstanding mental healthmental health screening toolget involvedattend an MHF eventbe nice. ambassadorshost a fundraiserabout usstaffboard of directorsstomp out stigmashopDONATEtake the pledgetake the pledgebe nice. en Españolour programsour programsbusinessschoolsteamfaithbe nice. bookMental Health First Aid/QPR Trainingget helpget helpcrisis hotlinefind local treatmentunderstanding mental healthmental health screening toolget involvedget involvedattend an MHF eventbe nice. ambassadorshost a fundraiserabout usabout usstaffboard of directorsstomp out stigmashopDONATESearch...take the pledgehometake the pledgeYou can make a difference today.Learn each step of the be nice. action plan below!nicenotice 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. behavioralQuitting favorite sport/hobbyAvoiding social interactionSudden/unlikely drug or alcohol useCry frequently for no reasonNeglect responsibilities, loss of motivationCan’t sleep or sleep constantlyphysicalLack of hygiene, personal appearanceFatigue, lack of energyOvereating or loss of appetiteWeight loss or gainHeadachesUnexplained aches or painspsychologicalActing out, aggressive, quick to angerHeightened sadness, guilt, indecisivenessLack of emotional responsivenessFrequent self-criticismHopelessness, lonelinessThoughts of death or suicideniceinvite 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.nicechallenge 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 stigmabe 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 crisisFeeling helpless, hopeless, or worthlesssocial isolationquitting something they previously loved like a sport or hobbyincreased irritability or ragegiving away their belongings or saying goodbyesGetting helpIf 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.niceempower 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 FactorsIdentifying 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 FaithCoping with depression or anxietybe 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 PledgeNamePlease fill out your nameOrganizationPlease fill out your organizationEmailPlease fill out your emailBegin Quiz...En EspanolQuestion 1 of 10Your mental health is how your brain functions, which controls how you __________, _________, and _________.think, eat, and feelsleep, eat, and exercisethink, act, and feeldrive, sleep, and eatNext Question...Question 2 of 10What does the n in be nice. stand for?neglectnoticenurturenewNext Question...Question 3 of 10If you notice a change in the way that someone thinks, acts, or feels - at what length of time should you be concerned? 2 weeks or longer2 days or longer1 week or longer1 month or longerNext Question...Question 4 of 10What is the #1 reason people with a mental illness don't get help?StigmaThey can't afford it.They're lazy.Only crazy people need treatment.Next Question...Question 5 of 10What does the i in be nice. stand for?initiateintimidateinterrogateinviteNext Question...Question 6 of 10What does the c in be nice. stand for?challengecriticizecarecomplimentNext Question...Question 7 of 10Which of these are protective factors?Support from family/friends.Having a hobby.Making good choices.All of the above.Next Question...Question 8 of 10It is not a good idea to ask someone if they're feeling suicidal in case you put the idea in their head TrueFalseNext Question...Question 9 of 10What does the e in nice. stand for?EncourageEmpowerEntitleEvolveNext Question...Question 10 of 10An important part of the inviting others into a conversation about mental health is using an "I" statement, which brings in changes you have personally noticed in them.TrueFalseSubmit Quiz! view answer key Quiz was not submitted successuly, please retake quiz and submit again.Retake QuizContact the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan160 68th St. SW Suite 120 Grand Rapids, MI 49548info@benice.org | 616.389.8601 Download Our 990 Form Sign Up for the be nice. mailing listsend This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. This website requires JavaScript to function propery. Please enable JavaScript and refresh the page.