Favorited x The Jed Foundation

Mental Health Tips for Supporting
Yourself and Your Community

Why This Playbook Matters:

Live-streaming is one of the most raw, real forms of digital storytelling.

Whether you’re casually chatting, playing games, or competing in a challenge, you’re connecting with your audience in real-time — and that’s powerful.

But real-time influence means real responsibility, too.

Favorited is committed to helping creators like you build thriving, profitable communities — while also making those spaces healthy, welcoming, and safe.

That's why we partnered with The Jed Foundation (JED), a leading mental health nonprofit, to create this guide: to help you navigate live-streaming’s highs, lows, and everything in between, while looking out for your audience and yourself.

Why This Playbook Matters:

Live-streaming is one of the most raw, real forms of digital storytelling.

Whether you’re casually chatting, playing games, or competing in a challenge, you’re connecting with your audience in real-time — and that’s powerful.

But real-time influence means real responsibility, too.

Am I Even Sharing Mental Health Stories?

(You are.)

Even if you’re not leading breathwork, talking about anxiety, or opening up about your feelings, your interactions are creating stories.

Every moment you go live, every comment you respond to, the energy you bring to every stream shapes the experience your audience carries with them.

Mental health isn’t just about anxiety, depression, or therapy. It’s the full range of how we think, feel, and move through the world — and live-streaming touches all of it.

Every moment you go live, every comment you respond to, the energy you bring to every stream shapes the experience your audience carries with them.

Mental health isn’t just about anxiety, depression, or therapy. It’s the full range of how we think, feel, and move through the world — and live-streaming touches all of it.

Every moment you go live, every comment you respond to, the energy you bring to every stream shapes the experience your audience carries with them.

Mental health isn’t just about anxiety, depression, or therapy. It’s the full range of how we think, feel, and move through the world — and live-streaming touches all of it.

In a way, mental health is a collection of stories:

Stories about where we've been,
How we’re feeling right now,
How we see ourselves,
And how we believe others see us.

When you go live, you’re stepping into those stories — adding new ones, shaping perceptions, sometimes without even realizing it.

Your audience isn't just watching; they’re feeling.

Some tune in when they’re lonely, anxious, overwhelmed, or struggling.
Some see you as a role model, even if you didn’t plan to be.
Some are learning — consciously or not — how to handle their own highs and lows by watching how you handle yours.

Because live-streaming feels so personal, your influence often runs deeper than you realize — especially in how you respond to both support and negativity.

And if you’re someone who talks openly about mental health — whether you're sharing your own story, offering advice, or showing ways you cope — how you tell those stories matters.

The way you talk about struggles, healing, and getting support can shape how someone else sees their own challenges — and whether they believe it's possible for them to find help and thrive.

Move

Take Care of Yourself First

Protecting Your Mental Health — Online and Offline

Before you think about what you’re giving to your community, it’s important to check in with yourself first. Because the truth is, it’s hard to show up with care and intention for others if you’re not taking care of your own mental health — both online and offline.

Social media on its own can bring real mental health challenges — and stepping into the spotlight as a creator can turn up that pressure even more.
The highs can be amazing, but the constant connection, judgment, competition, and expectations can be a lot, even when things are going "well."

It’s normal to feel drained, stressed, or overwhelmed sometimes. And what helps one creator stay grounded might not be what works for you — finding what supports your mental health is personal.

Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish. It’s part of building a healthier, more sustainable space — for you and for your community.

Stream on a schedule when you can.
Protect your offline time. Streaming should be part of your life, not your whole life.
Take breaks when you need them.
It’s okay to log off and recharge — whether you’ve streamed for 20 minutes or two hours.
Check your vibe before you hit “Go Live.”
Feeling drained, stressed, or frustrated? It's okay to reschedule. Your real supporters will get it.
Lean on your real support system.
Stay connected to friends, family, mentors — people who know you beyond your live persona
Celebrate your impact, not just your numbers.
Viewer counts, gifts, and likes don’t define your value. The positive connection you create matters way more.
Speak up if it gets too heavy.
If the pressure ever feels overwhelming, or it stops feeling fun or safe, it’s okay to step back — and it’s absolutely okay to ask for help. Taking care of your mental health is a strength, not a weakness.

Set Your Stage

Intention is Everything

Going live isn’t just about sharing content — it’s about telling a real-time story. Even if your main goal is to grow your audience, hit a gift goal, or boost engagement, every live shapes how people feel while they’re watching... and even after they log off.

Taking a minute to set an intention before you go live can make a huge difference. It helps you stay grounded when things move fast, and it gives you something to come back to when decisions pop up — like how to handle a tricky comment or shift the vibe if the energy in the chat gets off.

You don’t need a perfect script. You just need a sense of what you want your space to feel like while you're streaming.

Before you hit “Go Live,” take 30 seconds and ask yourself:

What kind of energy do I want to bring into this space?
How do I want people to feel when they leave this live?
What’s one thing I hope my community takes away from being here today?
If things get distracting or tense, what can I come back to?

Then take a big breath in, and as you exhale, let go of whatever stress, frustration, or outside energy you’re carrying. You don’t have to bring the rest of your day into this space. You get to start fresh.

Be Real… and Thoughtful

Being Authentic — And Taking a Beat

Going live is all about being in the moment and authentic in your voice as a creator. That’s what pulls people in and creates connection. Sometimes that moment is pure humor, hype, competition or excitement. And sometimes it’s heavy — a breakup, a fight, money stress, grief, uncertainty.

Being real doesn’t mean sharing everything in real time. It also means knowing when to take a beat — to care for yourself, and for the people tuning in who might be experiencing something similar or carrying their own heavy feelings.The stories you tell might impact how they look at their own struggles and options for feeling better.

Here are some ways to stay real — and still show up with care.

Be real about your state of mind before you go live.
Sometimes you don't have the luxury of not streaming on the tough days. But acknowledging to yourself that you’re going through it and choosing what to share and how to share it is important. You can be honest about your emotions without dumping fresh pain straight into the convo.
Give yourself time to find the story, not just the storm.
Big feelings deserve space. Before you dive into your live or a tough topic, ask yourself: "Am I sharing something I’ve had time to reflect on — or just reacting in real time?" You don’t have to be perfect. You just want to keep in mind that there’s a lot going on in the world and people might be on your page to take a break from it.
Talk about coping, not just crashing.
Humans are wired to focus on what's wrong. It's easy to spend more energy talking about the breakup, the loss, the uncertainty, than how it feels to cope, heal and connect. But if someone is already hurting and all they’re getting is a reminder of how bad that feels, it can leave them feeling even more stuck. Show and talk about what you're doing to take care of yourself too.
Make space for hope and joy too.
Celebrate little wins and moments of hope and joy with your community. It’s not just good for them, it’s good for your business. Research shows that audiences feel more connected to voices who help them feel better and more authentic — not just seen in their sadness. Going on a rant might get you attention, but sharing good vibes builds a loyal following.
Imagine yourself on the other side of the screen.
Picture yourself — not the creator you, but the regular, messy human you — tuning in during a hard day. What kind of energy would feel good to receive? What would make you more irritated, bummed or sad? Let that shape the tone you bring.
Remember: the character still carries weight.
Even if you're playing a heightened persona — quirky, sarcastic, savage, chaotic — people often build real emotional connections with that version of you. Many take the energy seriously, even if you're turning it up for the stream.Whatever voice you’re using, the way you handle your highs, lows, and messy moments still teaches your community how to handle their own.

Compete with Kindness

Keeping the Hype, and Ditching
the Harm

Streaming a competition, battle, or game brings adrenaline, hype, and energy. But it can also bring shade, sarcasm, or full-on rage — especially when an opponent or their supporters are being harsh. And in the heat of the moment, it’s easy to forget: your audience often looks up to you and is learning from how you show up.

Whether you're throwing playful jabs, reacting to trash talk, or celebrating a win, your vibe is contagious. What you normalize, your viewers often mirror — in your chat and in their own lives.

Here’s how to keep things competitive and kind:

Lead with hype, not hate.
Celebrate your wins. Shake off your losses. Hype your opponents when they come out on top. It shows your audience that competition doesn’t have to mean cruelty.
Watch your tone when you’re tilted.
It’s easy to snap when you’re frustrated or losing — but that’s when it matters most. People are learning how to handle stress by watching how you handle yours.
Know when you're in character — and when to dial it back.
Turning it up for a battle is fun, but make space to bring things down post-game. Let people see the version of you that can laugh about it or show respect afterward. That’s the part that sticks.

Proceed with Care

Proceed with
Care

Talking About Conditions, Trauma and the Really Dark Days

Opening up about mental health challenges — living with a condition like depression or an eating disorder, surviving trauma, or dealing with self-harm or suicidal thoughts — can bring these issues out of the shadows and help others who are struggling feel seen.

But live-streaming is real-time and unpredictable. Your audience can’t always opt in or prepare before a tough conversation starts — and some people tuning in might be especially vulnerable if they or someone they know are going through something similar right now.

The way you talk about tough topics can really impact how people feel about their own struggles, their options for getting support, and their hope for healing.

Before you open up about a heavy topic, ask yourself:

Am I ready — and is this the right space?
If you’re still deep in your own pain, it might not be the right time to share. And even if you feel ready, ask whether this space — like a livestream or public post — can offer the safety and context the story deserves. Sometimes the most powerful support you can offer is your presence, not all aspects of your story.
Am I sharing from reflection — not reaction?
Sharing from experience (instead of from crisis) helps you speak with more clarity and compassion. If a treatment or practice is helping you feel better, give it time to make sure it’s working before recommending it. Always be clear that what works for one person may not work for everyone.
Do I want to share advice — or inspire action?
It’s okay to talk about what’s helped you — self-care practices, coping strategies, treatment journeys. Personal stories can offer hope. Just be mindful not to prescribe solutions for someone else’s situation.Instead, encourage people to reach out to their support network, consult a professional, and create their own plan.
Do I have the right information — and support?
If you're discussing mental health conditions, crises, or treatment options, it’s important to make sure what you’re sharing is accurate, compassionate, and up to date. When in doubt, talk with a mental health professional about how to frame your story to protect both you and your audience.

If you do decide to share, here are some ways to protect your community and yourself:

Avoid graphic details.
Skip specific descriptions of self-harm, suicide attempts, eating disorder behaviors, drug use, or violence. Even well-meaning detail can help trigger pain or harmful behavior in others.
Don’t share methods, step-by-steps, or specific medication names.
Describing how something harmful was done — or naming specific medications — can unintentionally give someone a blueprint or encourage DIY solutions that might not be safe. Instead of naming drugs, use general terms like “antidepressant” or “SSRI.” The goal is to inspire people to seek professional guidance, not try to treat themselves based on someone else’s story.
Frame your story with healing, not just hurt.
It’s okay to name your struggles — but include what helped you cope, what you’re learning, or where others can find support too. Don’t leave people stuck in the heavy parts.
Use people-first language.
Say “living with PTSD,” not “victim of PTSD.” Say “experiencing an eating disorder,” not “anorexic person.” It helps separate someone’s identity from what they’re living through — and leaves room for hope.
Avoid harmful or casual mental health terms.
Words like crazy, psycho, schizo, disturbed, nuts, and unhinged might feel casual, but they can be hurtful and further misunderstanding. Keep your language clean and real.
Give your audience a simple heads-up.
If you're about to dive into a heavy topic, take five seconds to say something like: "Hey — just a heads-up, I’m going to talk about _________. Take care of yourself and take a break if you need to."

Show Support

Safely Supporting Distressed Viewers

When your audience feels connected to you, they may turn to you with their struggles. You might see comments or DMs about grief, anxiety, abuse, or even suicidal thoughts — sometimes right in the middle of a live.

It’s a privilege to be trusted. But it’s also a responsibility you don’t have to carry alone. Boundaries matter.

Before you open up about a heavy topic, ask yourself:

It’s not your job to fix it.
Most creators aren’t trained mental health professionals — and that’s okay. You can care deeply without becoming a crisis counselor.
You don’t always know what’s behind a message.
Some comments are real cries for help. Others might be emotional reactions or bids for attention and connection. Either way, it’s not your job to diagnose or solve it.
Real-world help matters most.
Streaming spaces can offer connection, but they’re not a substitute for real-life support. The most helpful thing you can do is guide someone back to trusted people, professionals, or crisis resources.
You matter too.
If responding leaves you feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or unsafe, it’s okay to take a step back. Protecting your own mental health isn’t selfish — it’s necessary.
One-on-one support can create complicated expectations.
Reaching out directly might feel like the kindest thing to do — but it can create the illusion of a support system that extends beyond your stream. If you can’t be consistently present in someone’s real life, stepping into that role can make it harder for them to seek lasting support elsewhere.
Sometimes the most compassionate move is gently pointing them toward the help they truly need.

What You Can Do:
What You Can Do:

Start with a group message.
If you notice a few people in the chat saying they’re struggling, speak to the group with care instead of starting one-on-one convos.
“I see a few of you saying you’re going through a lot right now. Just want to say you’re not alone — and there are people who can help anytime. I’m dropping some resources in the chat.”
If you respond directly, be kind and clear — and share resources.
If you choose to reply to someone individually, keep your message supportive without taking on the role of therapist. Include a clear next step.
“I’m really glad you’re here. You deserve support, and there are people trained to help whenever you need it. I’m dropping some resources in the chat in case you want to reach out.”
Protect your boundaries.
You don’t have to fix everything in real time. Offering encouragement, sharing resources, and stepping away when you need to — those are all real ways to show up with care.
Let someone know if it feels urgent.
If someone shares a serious, immediate threat to harm themselves or others, report it to the platform using their safety tools. You can also call or text 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) for guidance from a trained counselor on what to do next. Your action could help keep someone safe.

Share Resources

Offering Tools Beyond the Stream

You don’t have to have all the answers — but you can help people find them.

There are trusted resources where anyone can learn more about mental health, talk to someone 24/7, or explore different ways to get support. Whether you’re responding to someone in distress, opening up about your own experience, or just creating a space where people feel less alone, sharing these tools can make a real difference.

24/7 Support:
There are services your audience can reach out to — by phone, text, or chat — to have a free, confidential conversation with a trained counselor. These aren’t just for moments of crisis — they’re for anyone who needs support, guidance, or a safe space to talk things through.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988 anytime to connect with a trained counselor for free, confidential support. Also available via online chat at 988lifeline.org.

Crisis Text Line

Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor 24/7 via text.

SAMHSA’s National Helpline

Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for free and confidential treatment referrals and information.

Outside the U.S.?

Visit findahelpline.com to locate free, confidential support options in your country.

SAMHSA’s National Helpline

Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for free and confidential treatment referrals and information.

Outside the U.S.?

Visit findahelpline.com to locate free, confidential support options in your country.

Additional Crisis Services:
There are services your audience can reach out to — by phone, text, or chat — to have a free, confidential conversation with a trained counselor. These aren’t just for moments of crisis — they’re for anyone who needs support, guidance, or a safe space to talk things through.

Additional Crisis Services:

The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth)

Call 1-866-488-7386, text START to 678678, or chat online at thetrevorproject.org.

Trans Lifeline.

Call 1-877-565-8860 for peer support run by and for trans people.

The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth)

Call 1-866-488-7386, text START to 678678, or chat online at thetrevorproject.org.

Trans Lifeline.

Call 1-877-565-8860 for peer support run by and for trans people.

National Domestic Violence Hotline

Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), text START to 88788, or chat at thehotline.org.

National Domestic Violence Hotline

Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), text START to 88788, or chat at thehotline.org.

More Storytelling & Self-Care Tips for Creators

Digital Storytelling Guide

Created specifically for creators, this guide offers tips, do’s and don’ts, and thoughtful frameworks for covering mental health topics across digital platforms.

digitalstorytellingguide.com

Mental Health Media Guide

Explore best practices for portraying mental health themes, access expert directories, and learn how to tell impactful stories with care.

mentalhealthmediaguide.com

The Jed Foundation’s Mental Health Resource Center

Explore evidence-based information about mental health conditions, help-seeking, and treatment options — plus tips on how to support yourself and others.

jedfoundation.org/help

If you’re interested in learning more, talking with a mental health expert to support your storytelling, or exploring nonprofit collaborations, reach out to The Jed Foundation.

will@jedfoundation.org

Favorited x JED

More Storytelling & Self-Care Tips for Creators

If you’re interested in learning more, talking with a mental health expert to support your storytelling, or exploring nonprofit collaborations, reach out to The Jed Foundation at will@jedfoundation.org.

Favorited x The Jed Foundation

Mental Health Tips for Supporting
Yourself and Your Community

Favorited x JED

Why This Playbook Matters:

Why This Playbook Matters:

Am I Even Sharing Mental Health Stories?

Take Care of Yourself First

Set Your Stage

Be Real… and Thoughtful

Compete with Kindness

Proceed with Care

Proceed withCare

Show Support

Share Resources

Offering Tools Beyond the Stream

Offering Tools Beyond the Stream

Additional Crisis Services:

More Storytelling & Self-Care Tips for Creators

More Storytelling & Self-Care Tips for Creators

Proceed with
Care