“Not tooooo bad”
As you know mental health is one of Primordial’s six pillars and although we talk about mental health all year around, we would very much like the Fam to join us to talk about mental health on Thursday 1 February.
Run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, in partnership with the Co-op, Time to Talk Day returns for 2024. Across the UK, it’s delivered by See Me in Scotland, Inspire in Northern Ireland and Time to Change Wales.
The day is about creating supportive communities by having conversations with family, friends, or colleagues about mental health. We all have mental health and talking about it saves lives.
Within the #PRFam many of us are open about talking about our mental health and that is great. But some people aren’t so open, and often feel ashamed, so please read on to find out more, see how you can get involved, our tips for the day and services that can help you if you are struggling.
Sometimes it’s easier to tell people we’re ‘fine’ than it is to say how we really feel. Many people do not feel able to talk openly for fear of judgement. Despite public awareness of mental health having increased, sometimes we are still told we need to “pull ourselves together”, “snap out of it”, “put on a brave face” or even “man up”.
None of these phrases are helpful, in fact they are very damaging to those who are suffering with their mental health, who just need to be shown kindness instead of criticism. It stigmatises mental health and implies there is something wrong with someone because of life’s challenges, when actually life is challenging and sometimes people find it hard to cope.
Asking for help is never a sign of weakness, it is a sign of great strength.
Why Time to Talk Day is important
- One in 4 of us will experience a mental health problem in any given year
- Time to Talk Day aims to make everyone feel comfortable talking about mental health – whenever they like
- 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
- Opening up the conversation about mental health problems is important – by talking about it, we can support ourselves and others
Find out more about the importance of Time to Talk Day
How to take part
Time to Talk Day is about creating a society where everyone feels comfortable talking about mental health – whenever they like. If people feel able to do that, that’s great. Unfortunately, many people still don’t feel comfortable talking openly – fearing judgment from others. By asking those within our community with a mental health problem and those without, to have these conversations we hope we can empower people, who will also encourage others, so these conversations will continue.
Plan an event, check-in with a friend or relative, or pop some posters on your notice boards at work to encourage those conversations. Find out more about event ideas, social media content, download resources and more on the Time to Talk website.
Tips for talking
One thing we are so proud of here with the #PRFam is how everyone looks out for each other. Sometimes it can be hard to know what to say when you are worried about someone. We have pulled together our top tips to start those conversations and make sure you are approaching the conversation helpfully.
Signs of poor mental health
It is not always easy to spot poor mental health, so we have gathered together some information to help you know what the signs could be.
If you are struggling yourself, support is available
You can find out about a range of mental health support services here.