Time to Talk Day, on 6 February 2025, is the nation’s biggest mental health conversation.
Happening every year, it’s a day for friends, families and communities to come together to talk, listen and change lives. We all have mental health and by talking about it we can support ourselves and others.
Time to Talk Day 2024 revealed that nearly two thirds of the UK public put on a brave face to avoid talking about their mental health. And nearly half of us are less likely to open up as we don’t want to worry others in already difficult times.
But talking openly and honestly can be the first step towards better mental health for everyone. It can reduce stigma and help people feel comfortable enough to seek help when they need it.
That’s why this Time To Talk Day, we want everyone to get comfortable and start talking about mental health.
If someone opens up about their mental health to you, we know it might not always feel easy to know what to say. But it doesn’t have to be awkward – just being there for someone can make a big difference. If someone does confide in you, there are a number of things you could do.
Start a conversation
If someone does open up about their mental health, you might not know what to say. But it doesn’t have to be awkward, and being there for someone can make a big difference.
There is no right way to talk about mental health. But these tips can help make sure you’re approaching it in a helpful way.
Ask questions and listen
Asking questions can give the person space to express how they’re feeling and what they’re going through, and it will help you to understand their experience better. Try to ask questions that are open and non-judgmental, like “how does that affect you?” or “what does it feel like?”
Use positive body language and encourage them
Small verbal comments like ‘I see’ or ‘what happened next?’ will let them know you are paying attention to them and actively listening.
Don’t try and fix it
Try to resist the urge to offer quick fixes to what someone is going through. Just talking can be really powerful, so unless they’ve asked for advice directly, it might be best just to listen.
Dispel any myths and avoid cliches
Mental health problems are more common that people think and can affect anyone at any time. Comments like ‘pull yourself together’ or ‘you’re just having a bad day’ are not helpful.
Be patient
No matter how hard you try, some people might not be ready to talk about what they’re going through. That’s ok – the fact that you’ve tried to talk to them about it may make it easier for them to open up another time.
It can be hard to open up and share your feelings. Whenever you feel ready, these tips might help you start the conversation.
Find a way that feels right for you
This could be a face-to-face conversation, or you might find it easier to talk on the phone or even write down how you feel
Find a suitable time and place
Sometimes it’s easier to talk side-by-side, rather than face-to-face. You might want to chat while you are doing something else, like walking or cooking. However, don’t let the search for the perfect place put you off.
Practice what you want to say
You could do this in your head or make some notes. Phrases like “I’ve not been feeling like myself lately” might provide a starting point.
Be honest and open
It can sometimes feel uncomfortable sharing something so personal, but explaining how your feelings are affecting your life may help others to understand.
Suggest things they could do to help
This might just be listening and offering emotional support or there may be practical help you need.
There are more top tips on the Time to Talk website.
Time to Talk Day was launched in 2014 by Time to Change, a campaign to end mental health stigma and discrimination, which was run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness.
Cllr Christine Bannon, Knowsley Council Cabinet Member for Health, said:
“We all need to look after our mental health and by talking openly and honestly and listening to others it can be the first step towards better mental health for everyone. Please make time in your day for a conversation not just this Time to Talk Day but every day. You never know your kind words may help someone who could be struggling right now.”
She added:
“Conversations really do have the power to change lives. Talking openly may lead someone who is currently experiencing difficulties to open up about it, and they may need some support, as sensitive conversations may bring up difficult things. There are lots of places to which you can go or direct people for help.
“There’s also support available 24/7 for anyone in mental health crisis and in need of urgent help.”
The following agencies can offer support to help look after your own mental health or if you are concerned about someone you know.
The agencies below can offer support to help you look after your own mental health, or if you are concerned about someone you know.
If you or someone you know are in mental health crisis and no longer feel able to cope or be in control of your situation and need urgent help, you can call the NHS Mental Health crisis line. NHS staff will then support you to get the help you need. Available for people of all ages, including children and young people, available 24/7. Call NHS 111 and choose option 2.
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