The Moodlight System

A simple traffic-light way to signal how you’re feeling, so people can respond appropriately without you having to explain everything.

What is the Moodlight System?

The Moodlight System is a shared, low-pressure language for emotional capacity. You choose a light (Green, Yellow, or Red) to show where you’re at today. People who know the system can then respond in a way that fits your signal.

You don’t have to explain. You don’t have to perform. You just signal.

The Traffic Lights

Green Light

I’m okay. I have capacity.

This usually means:
  • I’m coping and can handle normal conversation.
  • I have some energy for plans, jokes, or helping out.
  • I’m not asking for support right now.
Helpful responses:
  • Keep things normal. Include me.
  • If you want: “Want to catch up?”
Yellow Light

I’m functioning, but fragile.

This usually means:
  • I’m okay-ish, but things feel heavy or wobbly.
  • I may need gentle support, low demands, or quiet company.
  • I’m trying, but I’d like the load reduced.
Helpful responses:
  • “Do you want company or quiet?”
  • “No pressure to reply. I’m here.”
Red Light

I’m not okay. I need support.

This usually means:
  • I’m overwhelmed and need care or grounding.
  • I may need someone to check in, sit with me, or help me reach support.
  • I might not have words right now.
Helpful responses:
  • “I’m here. What do you need right now?”
  • “Do you want me to stay with you or help you find support?”

How people use the Moodlight System

Online

  • Post “Today I’m 🟢🟡🔴” (no explanation required).
  • Use a coloured emoji in a comment or story.
  • Add a light to your status or bio when helpful.

In chats and in person

  • Drop a 🟢🟡🔴 in group chats.
  • Use a small card, sticker, or badge at events.
  • Tell one trusted person your light privately.
Important: No one is required to explain or justify their light. The light is the message.

How to respond when you see a light

Respond within your own capacity. Seeing a light does not mean you must fix it. It means you can respond appropriately if you can.

Responding to 🟢 Green

  • Keep it normal. Include them without extra fuss.
  • Try: “Want to do something easy this week?”
Avoid: assuming Green means “never struggles”.

Responding to 🟡 Yellow

  • Lower demands. Offer options.
  • Try: “Company or quiet?” / “Do you want a distraction or a vent?”
Avoid: pushing, fixing, or insisting on explanations.

Responding to 🔴 Red

  • Be steady. Ask what support looks like right now.
  • Try: “I’m here. Do you want me to stay with you or help you connect to support?”
Avoid: debate, minimising, or making it about you.

What this system is not

  • Not crisis care: it does not replace professional or emergency support.
  • Not a demand: a light is a signal, not an obligation on others.
  • Not a promise: people may not always be available to respond.
  • Not a measure of worth: your light does not determine your value.

The Moodlight System helps people see each other. It’s a bridge, not a replacement for services.

If you’re in the red right now

You don’t have to hold this alone. If you can, reach out to someone you trust and tell them your light. If you need urgent help or feel unsafe, please contact local emergency services or a trusted crisis line in your area.

Find support resources How to respond

Why we created this

People often give subtle signals long before they have the words. The Moodlight System is a simple way to make those signals easier to share and easier to understand, so support can happen earlier, more gently, and with less pressure.

Sharing the Moodlight System

You’re welcome to share this page so others can learn the same language. The more people who recognise the lights, the easier it becomes to support each other.

You are allowed to take up space at the speed of your nervous system.