Tips to get you talking – Time to Talk Day

Tips to get you talking – Time to Talk Day 02/02/23

Time to Talk Day is about us all being open to the idea of talking; we all have mental health and sometimes talking about it can make us feel better. This doesn’t mean that we should force ourselves/ others to talk about a mental health problem if we/ they don’t want to. If someone does open about their mental wellbeing, many of us may find it difficult to think of ‘the right thing to say’, or ‘the right thing to do’. Microlink have come up with some tips on how you can ensure you’re approaching a conversation about mental health in a helpful way.

Empathise

Try to put yourself in their shoes and imagine how you’d feel if you were struggling in the same way. This can help you to understand their feelings a bit more.

Talk about your own experiences

This can help normalise mental health problems and helps not to make the other person feel like the ‘odd one out’. It can put the other person at ease by knowing that someone else can relate to them. However, remember not to change the subject and make it all about you, the conversation should be equal.

Ask twice

Everyone has said “I’m fine” without actually meaning it. By asking twice, you’re showing the other person that you really are interested in what they have to say and want to make sure they’re alright.

Don’t brush it off

A lot of people keep their feelings to themselves in fear of no one believing them and thinking they’re just being dramatic. If someone comes to you and opens up, don’t invalidate their feelings. A loved ones fear can mean nothing to you, but everything to them.

Just listen

People often worry about what they should and shouldn’t say and might struggle to find the right words. Showing that you care about what someone has to say is more important that saying anything. Listening and acknowledging is enough.