Assess the situation is STEP ONE

(0:00) Step one, assess. That's what we talk about with mental health awareness. If you've ever studied (0:08) for CPR, you know that's the first step too, assess.
But it's the one that is often missed, (0:16) especially with mental health awareness. Tomorrow the elections are going to wrap. (0:21) Remember that is not the same as we're going to know all the answers by midnight.(0:26) So step one, vote. After that, step two, take today and learn what it means to assess. (0:36) 

Think about the people in your life that you are close to, your partner, your spouse, your children, (0:43) the people that you work with, the people that are in your bubble that you are closest to, (0:49) your parents, your siblings, perhaps.
What do I mean by assess? (0:55) Mental health has taken a big toll for people this election season, and that is not going to change (1:04) even probably after we have the final vote for some people in our country. (1:10) It is so important that we assess where people are because we don't know what someone's breaking (1:20) point is going to be.

But before we jump in with our opinion or even listening or asking, (1:28) we want to look around and see what the landscape is. Are they giving signs that they're going to (1:35) hurt themselves or someone else? Are they so depressed that they are now disheveled, (1:44) not getting out of bed, calling into work? Are they now on a drinking or drugging bender? (1:55) Are they doomsday scrolling? Can they not turn off the TV or walk away from the constant updates (2:06) that frankly just say, we don't know yet? Are they spiraling? Have they eaten? (2:14) Are they behaving differently?

Now, under stress, we behave differently. That's true. (2:22) But sometimes that differently goes over an edge where we ourselves can't get it back and we need (2:31) somebody else to help. So this is an important time for you to really think about your own self. (2:40) Where are you? How is your mental health? Have you showered? Are you eating good food? Are you (2:48) drinking water? Are you walking? Are you moving your body? Are you getting a good night's sleep? (2:55) Are you taking a good shower? Have you washed your hair? These things. But also to assess (3:02) the people that we are closest to. Getting that eyes on, that time for hearing and thinking and (3:12) seeing how they are doing in their bubble. We go over assess and we go over assess and we go over (3:22) assess over and over and over again when we are teaching people mental health awareness (3:27) because it is so important.

And I want to remind you that if you believe that someone is about to (3:34) do harm to themselves or others, 911 is a perfectly acceptable and probably best case scenario.(3:45) Let a professional help you to assess the situation. If there's any chance that you believe that someone (3:51) is going to hurt themselves or another, 911. If you need tools or you have questions, (4:01) text or call 988.It is the national hotline and it's there to help you. (4:10) Always free 24 hours a day, seven days a week.