Today is Time to Talk Day; an event that was launched in 2014 by Time to Change. This event is jointly run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness. TTTD is a campaign to end the associated stigmas with mental health.
Today is all about being open to the idea of talking about mental health. We all have mental health and by talking about it, we can help ourselves and others. Talking can be the first step towards better mental health for everyone. It can help people feel more comfortable and to seek help when they need it.
Some useful tips when talking about mental health include:
- Asking questions and listening: Asking questions that are open and non-judgmental, for example ‘how does that affect you?’ or ‘what does it feel like?’
- Using positive body language and encourage them: Pay attention and use small comments like ‘I see’ or ‘what happened next?’
- Don’t try to fix it: Listen to them, try to resist the urge to offer quick fixes and avoid giving advice unless they ask for advice.
- Being patient: Some people might not be ready to talk, that’s okay. As you’ve asked them, they may find it easier to talk another time.
For more information, please visit the Time to Talk Day website.
