ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM)—More than one in five Americans lives with a mental illness, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

Health officials say having discussions about mental health can be challenging, and there are specific ways they recommend navigating those conversations.

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“A great way to open this conversation is saying I’ve noticed you’ve been a little down lately, how have you been feeling, and just let the individual share what they feel comfortable sharing and making sure that you’re there to listen and help them in a way that applicable to their situation,” said Mealea VanDenburg, Steuben County Public Health Education Coordinator.

Doctors say talking to someone about their mental health should take place in a calm and safe environment so the person struggling can feel comfortable opening up.

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“We really just want to encourage people to lean on their social supports, and for people around folks that may have mental health struggles to try to be the person to offer a listening ear and guide them to support services or mental health services when necessary,” said VanDenburg.

There are other resources available to those who might not have someone they can speak to about their mental health.The 988 emergency hotline is available 24/7 to speak to someone about mental health.

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