Talking about Mental Health
World Mental Health Day is a great opportunity for us to come together to talk about mental health and show everyone that is matter. The information below from the Mental Health Foundation sets out some helpful tips as well as what to expect.
1. Choose someone you trust to talk to
This might be a friend, family member or a colleague. Or you might be more comfortable talking to someone you don’t know, for example, through a support helpline. It can help to do a pros and cons list about talking to someone.
2. Think about the best place to talk
It’s important to choose a place where you feel comfortable enough to open-up. You might want to choose somewhere private where you’re less likely to be disturbed. You also might want to talk while you do an activity, like walking together.
3. Prepare yourself for their reaction
Hopefully, you will have a good experience when you open-up to someone. But there’s a chance that they may not react in the way you hope. This may be for different reasons, like they may be worried or not fully understand at first. If that’s the case, try to give them time to process what you’ve told them. It might help to give them information to read to help them understand. And don’t forget to be kind to yourself and practice self-care.
Feeling anxious or depressed? NHS Talking Therapies can help
Struggling with feelings of depression, excessive worry, panic attacks, social anxiety, post-traumatic stress or obsessions and compulsions?
A trained clinician can help.
The service is effective, confidential and free. Talking therapies are also available in your
chosen language through multi-lingual therapists or confidential interpreters, and in British Sign Language, through SignHealth’s Therapies for Deaf people service.
Your GP can refer you or refer yourself at nhs.uk/talk
Help Us Help You – Mental Health Matters