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"There did come a time when I thought, 'I wonder if I'm known in my industry as somebody who comes out and is against stigma and talks about mental health if that's going to affect my career,'" Close told CNN anchor Anderson Cooper at the Citizen by CNN 2021 Conference.She persisted in her effort to destigmatize mental health conversations, though, because there seemed no other good option, she said.
The American Psychological Association has a webpage of resources if you're struggling with suicide, substance abuse or domestic violence. If the situation is potentially life-threatening, get immediate emergency help by calling 911.The International Association for Suicide Prevention and Befrienders Worldwide also provide contact information for crisis centers around the world.
Bring Change to Mind has set up groups in schools where adolescents can safely share their feelings and develop a vocabulary to discuss their mental health, Close said. "If you have a peer and you see that their behavior is not what they were before ... you can ask somebody if they are OK and you can ask them again and you can ask them again until you get an answer," she said.They can then bring their new tools outside the groups to their friends and their family, Close added.