Breaking the Silence on Time to Talk Day 2025

Let’s be real for a second: mental health is just as important as physical health. Yet, we often neglect it because it doesn’t always show the way a sprained ankle or a fever does. But here’s the thing: just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not affecting someone. So, this Time to Talk Day, let’s actually talk.

Did you know?
Just five minutes of conversation from colleagues reaching out to someone showing signs of anxiety or distress can have a profound positive impact on their mental well-being. Small gestures go a long way!

Supporting Someone Else

If someone opens up to you about their mental health, it might not always be easy to know what to say. But here’s the thing: it doesn’t need to be awkward. Just being there for someone can make all the difference. If someone confides in you, here are a few tips on how to offer support:

Ask Questions and Listen:
Giving them space to express how they’re feeling can make them feel heard and understood. Open, non-judgmental questions like “What does that feel like?” help create that space.

Use Positive Body Language and Encourage Them:
Your body language speaks volumes. Small verbal cues like “I see” or “What happened next?” signal that you’re actively listening and engaged.

Don’t Try to Fix It:
Sometimes, people just need someone to listen, not someone to solve their problems. Unless they ask for advice, avoid jumping into “fix-it” mode. Talking can be incredibly healing on its own.

Dispel Myths and Avoid Clichés:
Mental health challenges affect more people than we realise, and it can strike anyone, at any time. Avoid minimising their experience with comments like “You’re just having a bad day” or “Pull yourself together.” These statements can invalidate how they feel.

Be Patient:
Some people may not be ready to talk about their mental health, and that’s okay. Just knowing that you’re there can make it easier for them to open up in the future.

Sharing Your Own Feelings

It’s tough, right? Opening up about how you’re really feeling can be intimidating. But here’s the thing: it’s important. Sharing your mental health struggles helps break the stigma. And if you’re thinking of starting a conversation, here’s how to make it easier:

Find What Feels Right for You:
Whether it’s a face-to-face chat, a phone call, or even writing down your feelings, choose the method that feels most comfortable.

Pick a Suitable Time and Place:
Sometimes, side-by-side conversations, like while walking or cooking, can feel less intimidating than a direct, face-to-face talk. But remember, don’t let finding the “perfect” time or place prevent you from starting the conversation.

Practice What You Want to Say:
You don’t have to have everything figured out before talking. Practicing in your head or jotting down some notes might help. Simple phrases like “I’ve not been feeling like myself lately” can serve as a great starting point.

Be Honest and Open:
It might feel uncomfortable, but being honest about how your feelings are impacting your life can help others understand and offer the support you need.

Suggest Things That Could Help:
Sometimes, it’s about offering emotional support, and other times, you may need more practical help. Suggesting tools like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) can offer confidential support for anyone who needs it.

It’s okay to not have all the answers. Sometimes it’s easier to speak with someone you don’t know, and there’s no shame in that. For confidential support and advice, visit timetotalkday.co.uk.

 

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