Time to Talk: Encouraging open conversations on mental health
This year, on February 5th, Time to Talk Day offers a crucial opportunity to focus on something that affects us all: our mental health. The campaign encourages open conversations with family, friends, colleagues and communities to help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and make it easier for people to seek support when needed.
As a counselling psychologist, I see daily the difference that simply being heard can make in a person’s life. Often, people coming to therapy for the first time are carrying their worries and distress alone for years before speaking openly about their difficulties. Thus, the biggest relief commonly comes from having a caring, safe environment where they can talk and feel understood, rather than from quick fixes.
Despite growing awareness, mental health can still feel difficult to discuss. Often, people might hold fears about judgment, appearing vulnerable, or burdening others, which can result in remaining silent. Unfortunately, this silence can deepen feelings of isolation and make everyday challenges feel harder to manage. Time to Talk Day reminds us that conversation itself can be a powerful first step towards connection, support, and understanding.
Importantly, these conversations do not need to be formal or clinical. Ordinary moments can provide opportunities for open dialogue about mental health. This could be over a cup of tea, during a walk, or through a brief check-in message. What matters most is not saying the “right” thing but showing genuine care and a willingness to listen.
If you are unsure where to begin, the following list provides some easy-to-follow practical steps to ensure your conversations are natural and comfortable:
Simple check-ins: Asking open questions such as “how have you been lately?” or “how are things going for you?” can be good low-pressure conversation starters.
A comfortable setting: Quiet spaces such as a café or museum can provide privacy whilst bringing some background noise to alleviate any awkward silences, walks together in nature can bring a sense of relaxation whilst walking side by side alleviates pressure to retain eye-contact, and familiar environments such as the kitchen or car can ensure privacy whilst retaining a sense of security to ease any tension.
Remove any distractions: Ensure you are in an environment with minimal distractions to ensure you can provide full attention to the person speaking without interruption.
Avoid going into fixing mode: Focus on listening and understanding rather than quickly jumping to problem-solving or providing advice
Provide empathy: Simple responses such as|: “I can hear how much this has been affecting you”, “It makes sense that you are feeling this way, given all that you’ve been dealing with”, and “Thanks for sharing with me, I know that might not have been easy” can ensure that you are validating their emotions and expressing care.
Share if appropriate: Talking about your own mental health difficulties can help reduce the stigma for others. However, it's important to make sure that this is shared in a way that might be helpful and not detract from the other person’s experience.
Stay connected: Follow up with ongoing messages to check in and ensure ongoing care and support.
Promoting open discussions about mental health is valuable in both personal and professional environments. Those in caregiving roles often prioritise others' needs over their own well-being. By normalising conversations about stress, burnout, anxiety, and low mood, people are more likely to seek help early on.
Open dialogue is essential in challenging stigma. Mental health struggles are part of being human, and by discussing them compassionately, we can shift the narrative to view seeking help as a strength rather than a weakness.
At MAPP Psychology, we aim to offer a confidential and supportive space for anyone looking to explore their mental health further. If you or someone you know might benefit from professional support, please reach out to learn more about our services. Taking the first step to talk can make a significant difference.
- Dr. Nisma Asif