Time to
Talk Day
On 6th February, we celebrate Time to Talk Day. On this day, we remember that talking about mental health shouldn’t be taboo and we can be open about how we truly feel.
Time to Talk Day is about one thing: getting comfortable to start talking about mental health and making it an everyday conversation. This annual event encourages friends, families, communities and workplaces to come together to talk, listen and help change lives.
Conversations about mental health aren’t always easy, but they are essential. Sharing experiences or simply listening can make a world of difference. Talking helps us feel less alone and opens the door to finding support.
Mental illness affects 1 in 4 people. Nearly 1 in 5 in Scotland report at least two anxiety symptoms and 1 in 100 experience schizophrenia, often in early adulthood. Men, less likely to discuss mental health, face challenges in opening up.
Many around us may be facing tough times alone. Our language on mental health matters: it can be the difference between someone seeking support and reaching crisis.
“The longer you don’t talk, the worse things get. Change Mental Health opened so many doors for me and I know it can for others too.
“I really don’t know where I’d be without this group, but I know I wouldn’t be as happy as I am now. I’m quite positive that I’ve got something ahead of me now.”
For James, living with anxiety and depression, combined with diagnoses of bipolar, had made daily life feel overwhelming. He found the support he needed at Change Mental Health’s resource centre in Stranraer. You can read more about James’s story here.
How do I start a safe conversation about mental health?
Here are some examples of questions you could ask to create a safe space for another person to open up:
- How have you been feeling lately?
- Is there anything on your mind that you’d like to talk about?
- I’ve noticed you seem a bit different recently. How are things going for you?
- How are you coping with everything that’s going on in your life right now?
- How could I help you?
Consider that this may be the first time this person shares this, which can be overwhelming. Do not judge or take anything personally. They might not want to look for solutions right now. Just reassure them that help is there and openly listen to their feelings.
To learn more about open conversations, supporting others and looking after yourself when doing so, read our ‘supporting others with their mental health’ and ‘talking about your mental health’ resources.
Reach out: Check in with someone and ask how they’re doing.
Create space for work conversations: Organise a coffee morning, group chat or a walk with work colleagues to talk and connect. Encourage open discussions about topics they might find difficult to start, like stress, friendships or even financial worries, but make sure they’re comfortable talking.
Use creative outlets: Expressing your feelings through writing, art, music or even workouts can be a helpful way to process your emotions.
Change Mental Health is proud to facilitate peer support groups that run in all of our support centres across Scotland. Peer support provides a space where people can talk openly and feel understood.
Leave a message of hope and donation to help us create safe, non-judgemental spaces where people can meet regularly with others, share their personal experiences and create supportive networks.
Leave a #hopenote
Help us spread the word about Time to Talk Day by starting conversations. When one person opens up, it can inspire others to do the same and create a ripple effect of support.
You can also make a difference by requesting support cards from us to display on local noticeboards, spreading awareness and helping more people connect with mental health resources.
For additional resources like posters, social media graphics and activity ideas, visit the official Time to Talk Day website.
support
Our Advice and Support Service is open Monday to Friday, 10 am to 4 pm, where advisers can signpost you to local support that most fits your needs, including our own Change Mental Health services. We offer initial advice on money worries and help to deal with emergencies.
Contact 0808 8010 515, email us at advice@changemh.org or fill out the enquiry form on the Advice and Support Service page.
