September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time focused on raising awareness about mental health, suicide prevention and the importance of reaching out to people who may be struggling.

For Ellie Haney, founder of Here For You Clothing, that message comes down to three words that have followed her since she was a teenager: “I’m here for you.”

Haney told Radio Catskill those words grew out of conversations with her best friend, Emma Kilbride. Both experienced mental health challenges growing up, and when they did not know what else to say to each other, they would offer a simple reminder that they were there without judgment.

“I’m here if you just wanna sit. I’m here if you don’t wanna talk. I’m here through it all without judgment,” Haney recalled. Pasted text

Years later, that phrase became the foundation of Here For You, which began as a clothing brand and has since expanded into a broader effort to normalize conversations about mental health.

Haney said her own struggles became especially difficult during college, when she turned to alcohol and drugs as a way of coping. After graduation, she said she reached a point where she realized she needed help and finally said aloud that she was not OK. Pasted text

That experience eventually led her back to the phrase that had offered comfort throughout her friendship with Kilbride.

Clothing became part of Haney’s healing process and a way of spreading that message publicly. She said the idea was that someone might see another person wearing a Here For You hoodie and be reminded that they were not alone. Pasted text

Today, the organization describes its mission as normalizing conversations about mental health and building a community of support. Its website says 10 percent of proceeds are donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Here For You Clothing

Haney and her team now bring that message to colleges, schools and organizations around the country. She said college students remain especially important to her because her own struggles were at their most severe during those years.

Among the issues she hears from young people are the pressures of academics, athletics, relationships and social media, including comparing themselves with the lives and appearances they see online. Haney also said the pandemic disrupted social interaction and had a lasting impact on many young people. Pasted text

When it comes to checking in on someone who may be having a difficult time, Haney recommends being straightforward.

“How are you really doing?” she said, adding that people can make it clear they are willing to listen without judgment. She also encourages people to be willing to share some of their own vulnerability, which can sometimes make it easier for another person to open up. Pasted text

If someone says they need help, Haney said the appropriate response depends on the situation. For college students, she often points them toward campus counseling services. She also directs people to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and resources from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Pasted text

The 988 Lifeline is available 24 hours a day by call, text or online chat and provides free, confidential support. 988 Lifeline

Haney also serves on the board of the Connecticut chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. She said Here For You began partnering with the organization several years ago and that the relationship eventually led to her deeper involvement in suicide-prevention advocacy. Pasted text

Here For You continues to hold pop-ups, mental health presentations and suicide-prevention events throughout the region. Its current schedule includes events in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, including several American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Out of the Darkness walks. Here For You Clothing

For Haney, the goal is to create those conversations before someone reaches a crisis — and to remind people that even a small check-in can matter.

“Those messages go a long way,” she said. Pasted text

Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo spoke with Haney about her personal journey, the growth of Here For You and why making room for honest conversations about mental health can help people feel less alone.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. In an immediate emergency, call 911.