Find Time to Talk…today
Every year time to talk day encourages us to have the nation’s biggest mental health conversation. It’s a day for friends, families, communities, and work colleagues to check in, to find time to talk, to listen and have a conversation that could change a life.
When asked how you’re feeling, replying with the real answer can be hard. Sometimes it just feels easier to tell people we’re ‘fine’ than to try to explain what’s really going on, but conversations really do have the power to make a difference.
With one in four adults experiencing at least one diagnosable mental health problem in any given year, The mental health charity Mind, want everyone to feel comfortable talking about mental health – whenever they like.
So how can you start a conversation this Time to Talk Day?
Time to Talk Day is about us all being open to the idea of talking. There is no right way to talk about mental health. If someone does open up about their mental health, we know it might not always feel easy to know what to say, but that doesn’t mean things have to be awkward. These tips from Mind, might help you feel you can approach conversations in a helpful way with more confidence.
Ask questions and listen - give the person space to express how they’re feeling and what they’re going through. Try to ask questions that are open like “how does that affect you?” or “what does it feel like?”
Think about the time and place - Sometimes it’s easier to talk side by side rather than face to face. So, if you do talk in person, you might want to chat while you are doing something else. You could start a conversation when you’re walking, cooking or stuck in traffic. However, don’t let the search for the perfect place put you off!
Don't try and fix it - It can be hard to see someone you care about having a difficult time but try to resist the urge to offer quick fixes to what they’re going through. Just talking can be really powerful so unless they’ve asked for advice directly, try just to listen.
Treat them the same - When a friend or loved one opens up about mental health, they don’t want to be treated any differently. If you want to support them, keep it simple.
Be patient - No matter how hard you try, some people might not be ready to talk and that’s ok – the fact that you’ve offered the opportunity and given the conversation some space, may make it easier for them to open up another time.
If you are looking for local support and information on mental health, visit fhac-archive.frimley.icb.nhs.uk/mentalwellbeing
(Time to Talk Day 2024 will take place 1 February 2024. It’s run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness and is being delivered in partnership with Co-op for the third year running.)