Today, 1st February is Time to Talk day. So what’s it all about? For a start it’s about talking. But most importantly it’s talking about mental health which is not an easy subject to broach.
In the current climate one could be mistaken for believing that we have lost the ability to openly communicate with someone. What’s the point of opening ones mouth when you can simply send a text message or send an emoji? Is this the future for communication? It’s a frightening thought when you think about it, but it is true.
Whether it be on a train, a bus or public house, people nowadays would rather have their heads fixed on their smart phone with very little human to human contact, no eye contact and little speech.
Why is it important to talk about mental health? Well for a start the more you talk about it the less stigmatising the subject will be. Talking about mental health can be embarrassing but really there is nothing to be embarrassed about.
1 in 4 people are diagnosed each year with a mental health problem so therefore, there will be someone close to you who will be suffering. It could be relative, friend or colleague. Quite often the person with the mental health problem will not recognise it themselves so if you suspect someone is having problems just asked them in spoken English, “are you ok?” It could be the ice breaker that is needed to get things out in open.
It is still a taboo subject but by opening up and getting things off your chest you will understand that mental illness is just like any other physical illness, we are all susceptible to psychical illness, and mental illness is pretty much the same. Like any physical illness early diagnosis and treatment promotes better recovery.
Take that brave step and talk to someone. Whether its depression, anxiety, stress or body image once you have taken that first step you will probably find it easier to talk because you will realise that there are professionals out there who will take you seriously. It just makes so much sense.
Time to talk day is the opportunity for us all to be that little bit more open about mental health, to talk, listen and change lives.