How to Talk About Mental Health this Time to Talk Day

Time to Talk Day is a chance for all of us to be more open about our mental health and talk about how we really feel. 

It’s an awareness day which encourages us all to start a conversation about mental health with the goal of showing the importance of conversation when it comes to changing lives for the better. 

Time to Talk Day is run by mental health charity Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, in partnership with the Co-op and believes that safe and open conversations help people feel more comfortable to talk about their experiences and get help when they need it.  

Although there are no right or wrong ways to talk about mental health, in this blog we look at some simple ideas that can help you start a conversation. 

  1. Ask questions – This can give the person space to express how they’re feeling and what they’re going through. Ask open questions like ‘how does it affect you’ and ‘what does that feel like’.
  2. Listen – It can be easier to talk when your side by side, for example when doing for a walk or driving. Some people may feel it tricky to talk and listen when sitting face to face.  
  3. Don’t try to fix it – talking can be powerful, so resist the urge to try and find a quick fix to someone’s long term problem. Unless they ask for advice directly, sometimes just listening is all that’s needed.
  4. Treat them the same as before: If someone opens to you about a mental health problem, it’s important to remember they are still the same person as they were before and try not to treat them any differently.
  5. Have patience – Sometimes people just don’t feel ready to talk. Be understanding of this and let them know you’re happy to talk whenever they are ready.  

To find out more about Time to Talk Day, visit mind.org.uk/get-involved/time-to-talk-day-2024. 

We offer Mental Health First Aid Training Courses that will give you a basic knowledge of what mental health is and how to look after your own mental health and well-being.   

It will also give you confidence to support someone who is in distress or who may be experiencing a mental health issue and will give you advice and confidence on how to talk to someone who might be facing mental illness.  

To find out more about this course and others, click here or email info@bnshe.co.uk today.   

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