How to encourage conversations on ‘time to talk day’

What’s included?

1. Introduction
2. Common myths about discussing mental health
3. Tips to start a conversation about mental health with a loved one
4. And here’s how to encourage conversations in the workplace
5. What to avoid when someone is sharing their mental health struggles
6. How can Delamere help

One in four people in the UK will experience a mental health problem in any given year, according to a study by charity Rethink.

Nearly half (45%) of those in the study believed that mental health was a taboo topic.

Time To Talk Day was introduced to encourage people to turn to a friend and open up about their feelings. 

In my experience, many people worry about being judged or perceived as weak when opening up about poor mental health. 

This evokes feelings of shame, self doubt or even guilt. 

But speaking to friends and family can have the opposite effect. The isolation that often accompanies mental health issues can lessen with every conversation.

Need help?
Call us confidentially at any time to speak to a member of our team.

Call us now: 0330 111 2015

Common myths about discussing mental health 

Many people believe their mental health problems to be a sign of weakness. 

Especially as these problems can be linked to trauma or addiction, it can feel vulnerable to open up. 

Other misconceptions are that people with mental health issues are not suitable or worthy in a workforce, as they don’t see themselves as able to achieve enough. 

Roughly 7.5 million workers in the UK struggle with anxiety, depression or stress and do not feel comfortable disclosing this to employers, according to data from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

That so many employees are affected by this and feel unable to open up at work about issues that are often exacerbated by jobs shows the importance of awareness events like Time To Talk Day. 

So many people that I’ve spoken to believe that mental health problems are uncommon, and debunking that myth is one of the most important of all. 

Everyone has to manage their mental health throughout their life, and it ebbs and flows as situations change. Raising awareness of the common nature of these issues will help people to feel less isolated.

Tips to start a conversation about mental health with a loved one

• Ask open ended questions. People always ask ‘how are you?’ as a way of greeting, without expecting an answer further than ‘I’m fine’. So prompting more of a response with questions such as ‘how have you been feeling lately’, or ‘what’s been going on with you’ prompts a more indepth response. 

• Find a comfortable setting. Diving in with personal questions while you’re at the shopping centre will make them more likely to brush over it. But choosing a place where they feel comfortable, perhaps inviting them over for coffee or going on a quiet walk will allow them to open up more. If they were to get upset when speaking, it would mean they wouldn’t worry about others seeing them. 

And here’s how to encourage conversations in the workplace

• Providing information about mental wellbeing is key to getting people talking. That could be an email reminder, or training around a mental health awareness day.

• Let the senior leadership team lead the conversation. Hearing the decision makers speak openly and authentically about mental health problems and how to seek help will filter down to all areas of the company or school. 

What to avoid when someone is sharing their mental health struggles

• Do not minimise what your friend or colleague is saying by comparing it to something you or someone else has been through. Whilst the intention may be to relate to them, it pulls the focus away from their issues.

• Attempts to be reassuring, with comments like ‘you’ll be fine in the end’ or ‘it’ll be alright’ can be dismissive. This may seem helpful from the outside but for the person who has taken courage to open up, it can come across as diminishing. 

• Try to not offer too much advice. Whilst working with a loved one to overcome a hurdle can be helpful, being a pair of open ears to just sit back and listen can often be best. If you do have suggestions to give, keep them broad and provide options to encourage further discussion. 

Most importantly, for anyone who is looking to encourage conversation between their loved ones about mental health is remaining non-judgmental and empathetic while someone opens up.

Delamere’s approach

At Delamere, we regularly receive enquiries from people struggling with their mental health, who often turn to illicit substances or other harmful ways to cope, and which can result in them developing an addiction.

Unlike a traditional mental health rehab centre, our approach is person-centred and it’s about getting to the source of the problem, and then finding the best way for you to overcome your challenges having looked at all aspects of a person’s life.

For more information, please visit our mental health rehab page.

Need help?
Call us confidentially at any time to speak to a member of our team.

Call us now: 0330 111 2015

Summary

Article Name

How to encourage conversations on 'time to talk day'

Description

Delamere discusses how to encourage conversations on 'time to talk day' after a study by the charity Rethink reveals 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health problem.

Author

Martin Preston

Publisher Name

Delamere Health Ltd

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About the author: Martin Preston

Martin created Delamere in order to provide exemplary care in first class facilities. Find out more about Martin on our team page.