Frequently Asked Questions: Time to Talk Day
Time to Talk Day is on 1st February 2024. It will be run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, in partnership with the Co-op.
The day is about creating supportive communities by having conversations with family, friends, or colleagues about mental health. We all have mental health. By talking about it, we can support ourselves and others.
You may be wondering what the importance of awareness days like Time to Talk Day is, so here are some frequently asked questions to explain more fully (source: Mind):
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 with a mental health problem and those without, Mind hope people will find it a positive experience that they will continue.
We echo this sentiment and want our community to be empowered and to encourage others to have these conversations.
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 with a mental health problem and those without, Mind hope people will find it a positive experience that they will continue.
We echo this sentiment and want our community to be empowered and to encourage others to have these conversations.
Public awareness and comprehension of mental health have improved dramatically in recent years.
We now have a much better understanding that we all have mental health, just as we all have physical health, and that we need to look after it; this is a big positive.
But too many people still struggle in silence, feeling unable to speak out for fear of what others might think.
Public awareness days like Time to Talk Day play an essential role in ending this stigma – a significant barrier to people accessing help and support, no matter how they are feeling.
We now have a much better understanding that we all have mental health, just as we all have physical health, and that we need to look after it; this is a big positive.
But too many people still struggle in silence, feeling unable to speak out for fear of what others might think.
Public awareness days like Time to Talk Day play an essential role in ending this stigma – a significant barrier to people accessing help and support, no matter how they are feeling.
The vast majority of people when asked by Mind, said that things improve when they open up about how they are feeling.
However, for some of us, that may not be the case if they do not have the right support.
Peer Support for those struggling with their mental health is available via Mind’s online community Side By Side, where you can listen, share and be heard in a safe and inclusive environment. It’s a powerful thing to connect with someone else over shared experiences. Or you can find out about a range of mental health support services here.
However, for some of us, that may not be the case if they do not have the right support.
Peer Support for those struggling with their mental health is available via Mind’s online community Side By Side, where you can listen, share and be heard in a safe and inclusive environment. It’s a powerful thing to connect with someone else over shared experiences. Or you can find out about a range of mental health support services here.
Talking about mental health can feel difficult or even scary. Many people with lived experiences of mental health problems have shared that small conversations do make a big difference in opening up and seeking necessary support. However, many of us with mental health problems still feel uncomfortable reaching out.
We can encourage more openness around mental health by:
We can encourage more openness around mental health by:
- showing that a conversation surrounding the matter does not have to be daunting; and
- supporting friends, family or colleagues if they are experiencing a mental health problem