USF College of Public Health’s Dr. Rita DeBate is working with partners at Active Minds and SHOWTIME/MTV Entertainment Studios to change the conversation around mental health through a digital campaign aimed at teaching college students how to provide emotional support.
In a recent study conducted by MTV Entertainment, it was revealed that nearly 70% of young people feel ill-equipped to provide support or advice to a friend in need. Despite turning to their peers as the first line of support during times of struggle, a significant majority expressed uncertainty about how to effectively assist.
To address this concern, SHOWTIME/MTV Entertainment Studios partnered with Active Minds, the nation's leading nonprofit organization promoting mental health awareness and education for young adults. Together, they introduced A.S.K.— Acknowledge, Support, Keep-in-Touch, an initiative aimed at empowering young people to provide meaningful emotional support to their friends, families and communities.
The cornerstone of the A.S.K. program is a digital-first approach offering practical guidance through three key principles:
- Acknowledge: Encourage individuals to validate their friends' feelings and experiences, recognizing the courage it takes to seek support.
- Support: Provide empathy and tangible assistance by offering coping mechanisms and access to professional help if needed, demonstrating unwavering solidarity.
- Keep-in-touch: Foster ongoing connections through regular check-ins, reinforcing a sense of care and understanding.
College students participating in A.S.K. campaign. Photo Credit: SHOWTIME/MTV Entertainment Studios
As the research and evaluation advisor for Active Minds, DeBate played a role in developing the A.S.K. program. Her expertise in mental health and program design/development for young adults ensured the initiative's effectiveness in addressing the unique needs of college students.
“I love that the program teaches aspects of emotional literacy and core concepts of emotional support such as providing empathy and validation,” DeBate said. “All of this is accomplished through a digital experience that guides a simulated conversation between two friends. Through the experience you will see the direct impact of your words and better understand how to provide emotional support.”
DeBate, COPH professor and director of the Center for Applied Lifestyle Medicine, also highlighted the potential benefits for college students, including increased emotional literacy, enhanced self-efficacy in providing support and greater peer-to-peer emotional support networks. By equipping young individuals with these essential skills, the A.S.K. program aims to foster a culture of empathy and understanding, ultimately strengthening communities and promoting mental well-being.
A.S.K. is continuing to roll out across various platforms. In May they launched a YouTube-based interactive experience.