Today is Time to Talk Day!
Today (1 February 2024) is Time to Talk Day, which is the nation's' biggest mental health conversation, run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, in partnership with the Co-op.
It is a day for us all to start a conversation about mental health. Even though talking about mental health is not easy, a conversation does have the power to change lives.
Why talking is important
One in four of us will experience a mental health problem in any given year, and the cost of living crisis is only making it harder to look after our mental health, as the poorest fifth of the population are twice as likely to develop a mental health problem.
2021 research showed how important open conversations in communities are to support everyone's mental wellbeing. Talking about mental health reduces stigma, helping to create supportive communities where we can talk openly about mental health and feel empowered to seek help when we need it.
How to start a conversation
You don't have to host a huge event to get the conversation going on Time to Talk Day, as every conversation matters. Some ideas to get conversations started include:
- checking in with a friend;
- putting Time To Talk posters in your school, community or office notice boards;
- host a coffee and chat in your community centre or office;
- text a friend.
Tips for talking
There is no right or wrong way to talk about mental health, but these tips can help make sure you are approaching the conversation in a helpful way:
- ask questions and listen, to give the person space to express how they are feeling and what they are going though to help you understand their experience better;
- think about the time and place, as sometimes it is easier to talk side by side instead of face to face, or chat whilst doing an activity like walking, cooking or driving, if you can safely do so;
- even though it is hard to see someone you care about having a difficult time, try to resist the urge to offer quick fixes, and unless they ask for advice directly, just listening can be the most helpful;
- when a friend, colleague or loved one opens up about mental health, they do not want you to treat them differently, so if you want to support them, keep it simple and do the things you would normally do;
- some people might not be ready to talk about what they are going through, so be patient, as the fact you have tried to talk may make it easier for them to open up another time.
Get your workplace talking
Whether it is one-to-one or with a large group, there are many ways we can get talking within the workplace:
- run a lunch and learn session, either in person or virtually, to teach your colleagues more about mental health and how to support eachother;
- organise a quiz with mental health questions weaved in, or download the Time to Talk bingo card or True or False activity, to start conversations in an innovative way;
- organise a walk and talk event for your colleagues to get out and about, as side by side conversations can make talking about mental health feel less awkward;
- use the Time to Talk email signatures and video call backgrounds to help spread the word about the day and encourage conversations within your organisation and externally;
- create an open environment for you staff and colleagues, and spread the message to your external audiences and customers.
