Brave together
A global initiative to support everyone experiencing anxiety and depression. In partnership with our community of mental health experts, we've created support tools to help navigate everything from spotting the signs, to how to practice self care, to exploring resources.
MISSION
RESOURCES
Be Brave. Have the Talk. Help a Friend.
When a friend is experiencing anxiety or depression, learn the BRAVE TALK to navigate the difficult conversation and be the friend they need.
What is Brave Talk?
As worldwide’s No. 1 makeup brand, Maybelline New York‘s mission is to give everyone self-confidence, of which, mental wellness definitely plays a big role. We hope to provide a platform to support people who are experiencing anxiety or depression.
Our goal is to give everyone the freedom to express themselves while reducing the level of negativity. All these make you feel confident.
AVO: When a friend is struggling, it’s like an elephant in the room. But learning the Brave Talk can help you get through to them… and be the friend they need. First…be present. Notice when things aren’t right. Find the right setting – a safe space to really talk. Ask questions about what they’re struggling with. Validate their feelings and show support. Encourage action…to seek professional help. Be brave. Have the talk. Help a friend.
BE PRESENT
Trust your instincts when something feels off. Know what to look for.
Unlike physical health, experiencing mental health challenges often comes with a lot of vulnerability and sensitivity, which can leave people feeling less than ready to share.
Everybody has off days or even off stretches of days, but when interference becomes persistent, then it’s important to take note. Areas in which you may notice change: Changes in appearance, mood, speech, behavior, their relationships, their academic performance, their level of engagement with hobbies and things they enjoy doing, sleep patterns or even their physical health and hygiene.
RIGHT SETTING
Look for a good time and place to start the conversation.
While some people might find that starting a conversation with a friend in the midst of everyday life, like at the cafeteria or at the gym, is helpful – be mindful that what your friend shares may be overheard in public places. Having a private talk is safest.
Be well fed, rested, calm and alert
Be prepared to fully listen
Silence your cell phone (and put it away)
Respect privacy
Don't make promises you can't keep (regarding safety)
ASK QUESTIONS
Share what you notice and ask about it.
The first tip is to be as concrete and specific as possible about what you have noticed. It is harder for your friend to dismiss your inquiry with an “I’m ok” if they are asked to recognize the changes or behaviors you point out.
The best way to show compassion is to simply listen for words and emotions, rather than starting to think about how you might fix something. Feeling heard can be very powerful and healing.
VALIDATE FEELINGS
Listen deeply and show support.
Validating feelings doesn't have to be hard, and it doesn't even have to involve a lot of words. Nodding your head and maintaining eye contact when someone is sharing something vulnerable with you can be very validating.
Sometimes you can do all the right things and still meet resistance. If you do, it’s OK. Don’t push hard if someone isn’t ready to share, it’s more important to keep the door open. Stay connected and check on them periodically.
ENCOURAGE ACTION
Know and share your resources.
Exercise, meditation, volunteering, etc. – support their form of self-care and even offer to join them in activities that help them in their journey.
It is not your responsibility to be an expert or clinician. Be prepared to share local resources available at your school or community where they can go to seek real help. Also encourage them to save a crisis text line in their phone.
OUR PARTNERS
HKFYG Wellness PLUS Complex (WPC) is a comprehensive platform established in 2023 that provides professional services with learning, healing, and experiential elements. Its aim is to help youth build wellness into their lives and connect with the community.
Maybelline has always believed in the power of making things happen in your life, and we know that mental health is critical in feeling ready to do that. We want to use our brand’s global reach to drive this conversation and make support easily accessible.
TRISHA AYYAGARI
Maybelline New York Global Brand President
FAQ
Anxiety & depression look different on everyone, which makes it hard to diagnose. Each condition has its own set of unique symptoms, that can overlap. Here are the 10 common signs to help identify if you or someone you care about might be living with anxiety or depression.
- Feeling very sad or withdrawn for more than two weeks
- Trying to harm or end one’s life & or making plans to do so
- Severe, out-of-control, risk-taking behavior that causes harm to self or others
- Sudden overwhelming fear for no reason, sometimes with a racing heart, physical discomfort or difficulty breathing
- Significant weight loss or gain
- Seeing, hearing, or believing things that aren’t real
- Excessive use of alcohol or drugs
- Drastic changes in mood , behavior, personality, or sleeping habits
- Extreme difficulty concentrating or staying still
- Intense worries or fears that get in the way of daily activities