In December we explored how to spot the signs of someone struggling with their mental health but it can be hard to know what to do next. Time to Talk day (3rd February) is about those first steps in broaching the subject of mental health and supporting each other. In this month’s Mental Health Blog, we will explore together when and how to start up conversations regarding mental health.
Here are some tips on getting your conversations started:
Know your limits:
You can’t pour from an empty glass – ensure that you are ready to have a conversation about someone else’s mental wellbeing. Check in with yourself and understand the limits of what you can and cannot do. If you aren’t a trained professional, do not try to diagnose or second guess their feelings. Just being there is enough to help.
Find time:
Is now the right time to talk? Is it a busy environment, full of distractions and other people?
It isn’t easy to open up at the best of times. Explore the environment and situation. Maybe scheduling in a tea break or lunch outside, away from the hustle and bustle, would be nicer and more appropriate. Give them options where there will be time to talk and no judgement or distractions.
Listen and ask open questions:
Take the time to listen to what they are saying and do not try to guess how they are feeling. Being there for them is enough. It is important not to become a problem solver. You should be there to listen and let them share as little or as much as they feel comfortable with. Try open ended questions like ‘why don’t you tell me how you are feeling?’ rather than ‘you look low’. Most importantly, give them time to answer and listen non-judgementally.
What do I talk about?
Be open. ‘How are you feeling today?’
Reassuring. ‘I’m here for you’
Learning. ‘How can I best support you?’
Encouraging. ‘If you need to talk to someone else, that’s okay’
Remember, being there for them and listening is key. A friendly face could be all they need right now and if they need or want more support guide them to some of the following:
UK: https://www.samaritans.org/
USA: https://www.imalive.org/
Italy: http://www.samaritansonlus.org/
Germany: http://www.eaad.net/home
Worldwide: https://www.lifeline.org.au/
This Time to Talk day, come and join your Mental Health Champions for a drop in chat on Thursday 3 February anytime between 12:00 and 17:00 UK Time. Keep an eye out for your emails, links to follow!
If you want to talk any other time just drop one of us an email and we find a time that suits you.
Your mental health champions
A reminder of who we are:
- Charlotte Green
- Becca Harvey
- Eva Lee