Transcript of Video:

Scene 1: James and Sarah are sitting at a table in their local coffee shop.

James: Here's your mocha.

Sarah: Thanks. I shouldn't be having it - I've had two already today.

James: Nice. (Pauses) Hey, how's having Angela doing?

Sarah: Well, I don't know. She's ok, I guess. I was surprised when she told me she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

James: Yea, me too.

Sarah: I've known Angela for years; she is one of my best friends. I'm glad she said something.

James: Me too, but I am not sure how to deal with it.

Sarah: I know, I'm always afraid I'm going to say the wrong thing.

James: We should call her to come hang out. She needs to be around her friends right now. I heard somewhere that people can recover from bipolar disorder and have a normal life.

Sarah: I asked her if she wanted to come, but she said she didn't feel like it.

What would you do? Call her again or let her stay home?

James: Your support and friendship can make a big difference in the recovery of a friend dealing with a mental illness. It is important to respect the needs of your friend and let him or her know that you're there for them. Let's see what happens when we try calling Angela again.

James: Well, I am going to call her again. (James dials the phone.) Hello, Angela, it's me. How's everything? (Pause) Oh, well that's good to know. (Pause) We were wondering if you wanted to come out? (Pause) Oh, well we'd really like to see you. (Pause) Ok, well, we'll see you soon. (James hangs up the phone.)

Sarah: She's coming?

James: Yeah

Sarah: Great, I'm glad she's coming. She needs to know we're here for her.

James: You're right. When she gets here let's remember to invite her to Steve's birthday party this weekend.

Sarah: Oh, yea, that is this weekend. Great idea.

Video pauses and Sarah says:
To a friend with mental illness, your caring and understanding greatly increases their chance of recovery.
On screen with Continue button: 18.6% of young adults have been diagnosed with a mental illness; however, this age group is the least likely to speak up and ask for help.

Scene 3: Later at the coffeehouse, Angela enters.

Angela: Hey guys.

Sarah: Hey, Angela, great to see you! I'm so glad you came out.

James: Hey, can I get you a coffee or something?

Angela: Well, I could use a latte, I guess. I've been so exhausted today.

James: Yeah, I understand, but we're really glad you came. (James stands up, pauses and turns around) Sarah, do you want anything?

Sarah: Yea, actually, I could go for a brownie. Thanks.

Angela: Sorry I said no to coming out earlier, but I didn't think I'd be much fun to be around right now.

Video Pauses:
What would you do? Make a joke to lighten the situation or tell her that you want to spend time with her?

Sarah: People with mental illness need your support, sensitivity, and understanding. Let's see what happens when I speak with my friend, Angela.

Sarah: Don't worry about it, we know that you are dealing with some stuff, but I want you to know that James and I are here to help you through this.

James comes back to the table with the girls' orders.

James: Angela, here's your latte. What are you girls talking about?

Sarah: We were just talking about how important it is to have good friends be there for you, especially during tough times.

James: That's right, Angela, we want to support you and find out how we can help.

Angela: I don't know; I've just not been myself lately.

Sarah: We'll get through this together.

James: That's right. Nowadays people are able to live with mental illnesses and have a great life. And there is no reason why you can't do the same. And we're going to be there for you every step of the way.

Video pauses and James says:
When someone is dealing with a mental illness, they are most likely to reach out to a friend or family member first. You could be the one to help a friend recover by sharing a message of hope, being supportive, and helping them find the support they need.
On screen with Continue button: By an overwhelming majority (51%), individuals with mental health problems approach family and friends first for help.

Angela: I think this is the hardest thing I ever had to deal with.

James: Do you want to talk about it? You don't have to go through this alone.

Angela: These past couple of months have been super hard. You know, sometimes I don't feel like myself. Like I'll never have a normal life again.

Sarah: Wow, Angela - that does seem really hard.

James: Yea, that does sound pretty rough.

What would you do? Change the subject or encourage her to tell you more?

Angela: I don't know if my friends want to hear about the issues I am dealing with. Sometimes I need to be reminded that my friends want to listen and are here for me. Talking helps me deal with the changes in my life and is part of the recovery process. Don't treat me differently, I am Angela first, the same person. Be supportive when I need it; it means a lot to know I won't go through this alone, knowing that you accept me despite having been diagnosed with a mental illness.

Let's see what happens when James and Sarah encourage me to talk.

Scene 4: All three friends are still at the coffee shop talking.

Sarah: Sounds like you're really dealing with a lot right now.

James: Do you always feel this way?

Angela: Well, it can be different from day to day. Sometimes I don't know what I'm going to feel like. It's really frustrating.

Sarah: I know that much be difficult, not knowing how you are going to feel the next day.

James: So, how was your day today?

Angela: I guess ok. I woke up this morning and thought, "Why even bother getting out of bed."

Sarah: But you did, and we're really glad you came out to be with us.

Angela: Thanks. But honestly, I don't know if I'll ever recover or have my life back again.

James: Angela, just because you were diagnosed with bipolar disorder doesn't mean your life is over.

Sarah: Yea, lots of people live with mental illness and still work, have families, and have good friends like us that will be there with you every step of the way. If there's anything we can do to help, just let us know.

James: Yea, we just want you to know that we're here for you.

Angela: Thanks, knowing that you guys care really makes me feel better.

Sarah: Yea, we'll get through this together.

James: Oh, I almost forgot, there's a party this weekend for Steve; you wanna go, we really want you to come with us?

Angela: Really? Thanks, I think that would be good for me.

Sarah: Yea, it'll be fun. Let's get ready at my place, and James, you can pick us up from there.

James: Oh, I see how it is. (Sarcastically)

Angela: Thanks again. You guys are great.

BOX:

Bipolar disorder typically begins in the mid-twenties however; people can recover with support and treatment.

It is a mental health problem that affects a person's moods, energy levels, and thoughts.

There's a variety of treatment and support options that can be effective for someone living with bipolar disorder including psychotherapy, medications, self care, and support groups.

People with bipolar disorder benefit from the support and understanding of their friends. Reach out to your friends and be there for them when they need you.