This research introduces RedditESS, a dataset developed to enhance AI-based mental health support systems by understanding what makes social support truly effective.

• Moves beyond simple empathetic acknowledgments to include informational guidance, community validation, and tangible coping strategies
• Analyzes real-world mental health support interactions from Reddit communities
• Provides a foundation for developing more comprehensive AI support tools that address multiple dimensions of effective support
• Enables evidence-based improvement of mental health interventions using LLMs

This work is crucial for the medical field as it bridges the gap between clinical understanding of mental health support and practical implementation in AI systems, potentially improving outcomes for millions suffering from psychological distress.

RedditESS: A Mental Health Social Support Interaction Dataset -- Understanding Effective Social Support to Refine AI-Driven Support Tools