#TimeToTalk

Let’s start talking about Mental Health this Time to Talk day.

Time to Talk Day happens every year on 4 February and was created to get people talking about mental health to help end mental health stigma.

This year’s Time to Talk focus is on the power of small, because every mental health conversation has the power to make a big difference. Every conversation is a step in the right direction to end isolation, shame and worthlessness that many feel when facing mental health problems.

While this year’s event may feel a little different to usual the key messages are more important than ever.

The power of a small conversation

The average person in the UK will say they are fine 14 times a day in response to the question ‘how are you?’ A person who is hiding how they really feel is likely to do the same. By asking twice it shows that we’re genuinely interested in a person’s response and concerned about how they’re doing. It also shows that we’re investing the time in listening to their answer and not just asking out of nicety.

We don’t need to be experts in mental health to listen. If you see a colleague who looks like they need some support, ask them how they are. Twice. We don’t need to have all the answers. We just need to be someone our colleagues can talk to.

Spot the signs

1. Interaction – has a colleague stopped communicating? Maybe they’re no longer taking calls, participating in group chats or socialising with others on board?

2. Withdrawal – are they participating differently to usual? Perhaps you’ve noticed a change in punctuality or a dip in participation?

3. Change – Is there a difference to their usual work output? Have their motivation levels dropped? Or do they keep missing deadlines? 

4. Struggle – Are they finding it hard to make decisions, to get organised or to find solutions to problems?

5. Emotional changes – Are they appearing tired, anxious or withdrawn? Do they lose interest easily?

Read our guide on how to start a wellbeing conversation with a colleague here.

 Test your mental health knowledge

Mental health, it’s something we all have but how much do you know about it? Test your Mental Health know how with Time to Talk’s quiz.

To help start a conversation on mental health, share any learnings or things you were surprised to see with a colleague.

Resources

• Finding calm in a stressful world
• Winter wellness and managing challenges (webinar)
• Choosing a positive mindset (webinar)
• How to manage and reduce stress (booklet)
• Mindfulness (booklet)
• Managing pressure – part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4 (webinar)
• Coping with fear and anxiety (booklet)
• Looking after your mental health (booklet)
• Looking after your mental health (webinar)
• Supporting your mental health at work (booklet)
• Exercise for mental health (booklet)
• Be better with your money (webinar)
• A guide to meditation
• Maintaining a healthy mind in times of uncertainty
• Wellbeing Podcasts (Resilience, Managing Anxiety, Positive Mindset and Uncertainty) 
• Look Listen Link (self care and peer support guide)

Support available

Sometimes we can all be thrown off balance and all we need is a helping hand to get us back on track.

If you are concerned about a colleague, or have concerns of your own it’s important you speak to someone, whether that be a colleague, a friend, your supervisor or someone from one of our support providers. 

For all resources (including access to our confidential Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) visit The Insider.

For shore side colleagues you’ll also find resources via The Cove and Good Practice – just search ‘wellbeing’.

Don’t forget to also read our ‘Wellbeing People Stories’. This week Kasia Waters, People Support Consultant, shared some great resources as well as how she is looking after herself and others. We’ll be sharing more stories throughout the month.