My friend is depressed and needs emotional support urgently — what do I do?

Stay calm and be present. Tell your friend you're there for them and you care. Listen without judgment — don't try to fix the problem, just hear them. If they mention hurting themselves, take it seriously and help them contact a crisis line (988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or a trusted adult immediately. Open Heart Support has step-by-step guides for exactly this situation.

How do I help a friend who is struggling with depression?

Check in regularly, listen actively, and let them know they're not alone. Avoid saying things like 'just cheer up' — instead ask open questions like 'how are you really feeling?'. Encourage them to talk to a counselor or therapist. Open Heart Support provides teen-friendly resources, scripts, and AI coaching to help you support your friend.

What should I say to a friend who is emotionally struggling?

Say: 'I'm here for you', 'You don't have to go through this alone', or 'I care about you and I want to help.' Avoid minimizing their feelings. Open Heart Support's AI coach can guide you on exactly what to say in different situations.

How do I help a friend who is having a panic attack?

Stay calm, move them to a quiet spot, and help them slow their breathing — try breathing in for 4 seconds, holding for 4, and breathing out for 6. Remind them the feeling will pass and that they are safe. Don't tell them to 'calm down.' If it's their first panic attack or it doesn't ease, consider reaching out to a crisis line or a trusted adult.

What do I do if my friend is being bullied?

Listen without judgment, take what they're feeling seriously, and ask what kind of support they want — some teens want you to speak up, others just want you nearby. Encourage them to tell a trusted adult, and if it's cyberbullying, help them block and report the accounts. Open Heart Support has scripts and steps for exactly this situation.

How can I support a grieving friend?

Show up and stay present — you don't need the perfect words. Say their loss matters, check in regularly over the following weeks (not just the first few days), and avoid clichés like 'everything happens for a reason.' Offer specific help like bringing food or sitting together. Consistency means more than big gestures.

Where can I find free mental health resources for teens near me?

Open Heart Support's Find Help page lets you search for nearby mental health clinics, support groups, and crisis services by zip code or your current location. You can also call or text 988 anywhere in the United States for free, confidential support, 24/7.

Is Open Heart Support free and private?

Yes. Open Heart Support is completely free and built around youth privacy law — COPPA, FERPA, and HIPAA-aligned. No data is sold, and your activity stays private to you. It is a teen mental health and emotional support platform, not a cardiac or heart-surgery resource.

What is Support Squad?

Support Squad manages 5 data types including journal entries. Helps you organize, track, and share your work in 1 place for teams and solo users.

Privacy & Safety

How we protect your identity

Your Privacy Matters

Multiple layers of protection for your identity

Support Groups Protection

In support groups, you appear as your chosen username - never your real name or email.

Username-only identification
Real name and email completely hidden from other members
Optional anonymous posting in community feed

What's Visible & Hidden

✓ Visible to Others:

• Your chosen username
• Public profile info (if you opt-in)
• Your activity level and badges
• Messages you post in groups

✗ Always Hidden:

• Your real name (in groups)
• Your email address
• Personal support records
• Journal entries
• Check-ins and private notes

Community Feed Privacy

Share experiences while protecting your identity.

Post anonymously or with username
Real identities never exposed in public posts
Control what you share

OpenHeart Connect

Network with other supporters while maintaining privacy.

Public profiles are opt-in only
Choose what information to display
Connection requests require approval

Data Security

Your personal data is encrypted and secured.

Industry-standard encryption
Secure authentication
Data isolation between users

Crisis Detection & Safety Notifications

Your conversations and entries are private to you. The only exception is safety: if our system detects signs of a crisis (such as language indicating immediate risk of self-harm or harm to others), a notification with relevant details is sent to the Open Heart Support team so they can respond and connect you with help.

Support team notifications are triggered only when a crisis is detected
No details are shared with the team during normal, non-crisis use
Shared details are limited to what is necessary to assist in the crisis

Privacy Best Practices

1.Choose a username that doesn't reveal your identity
2.Don't share personal contact info in group chats
3.Use anonymous posting for sensitive topics
4.Keep your support records private - they're for you only
5.Report any privacy concerns to moderators

U.S. Laws & Policies We Follow

We comply with COPPA, FERPA, HIPAA, Title IX, CAPTA, mandated-reporter laws, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline designation, the ADA, and state privacy laws like CCPA/CPRA.