B.O.O.T.S.
5-Step Mental Health Response Framework
What to do when someone in your life is struggling:
Be Present
Don’t fix. Just show up.
- Notice a change. Trust your gut.
- Approach with compassion and without judgment.
- Use open body language and a soft tone. Silence is okay.
- Your presence is more important than perfect words.
Why it matters:
Research shows that consistent, nonjudgmental presence is often the first step in lowering someone’s emotional distress. (Mental Health First Aid, 2022)
Open The Conversation
Ask. Listen. Invite honesty.
- Say what you’re seeing: “You haven’t seemed like yourself lately. Can I check in?”
- Ask gently but directly: “Are you struggling with something right now?”
- “Have you felt hopeless or thought about hurting yourself?”
- Be calm and open—don’t rush to fix.
Why it matters:
Asking about suicide or distress does not increase risk—it lowers it by creating relief. (AFSP, 2021)
Openness de-stigmatizes and signals safety.
Offer Support
You don’t have to have all the answers—just a next step.
- Say: “You’re not alone. I can walk with you in this.”
- Let them know about the resources available to them:
- Jae Foundation Resource Team – A team committed to bridging the gap and getting people connected to the right resources.
- Introduce them to the 12 Jae Foundation Initiatives they can plug into for community, healing, and purpose.
- Offer to connect them—or go with them. Follow their pace.
Why it matters:
Peer-initiated referrals—when done with consent and warmth—are twice as likely to lead to actual help-seeking. (NAMI, 2021)
Take It Seriously
Your response could save a life.
- Don’t downplay, joke, or promise to keep secrets.
- If there’s immediate risk of harm to self or others, get help:
- Stay with them
- Call 988 or emergency services
- Involve a professional or trusted adult
- Document and follow your organization’s policy (if in a workplace)
Why it matters:
Most people give off signals before a crisis—being taken seriously is often the key to preventing escalation. (CDC Suicide Prevention Report, 2022)
Stay with Them
Healing takes time. Don’t walk away after the conversation.
- Follow up the next day—and the next week.
- Stay consistent, not controlling.
- Ask: “What does support look like for you right now?”
- Invite them back into safe spaces: team, work, workouts, or daily routines.
Why it matters:
Sustained social connection is one of the strongest protective factors against suicide and chronic mental health challenges.
(Journal of Affective Disorders, 2020)