What is time to talk day?
Time to Talk Day, held on 6th Feb 2025, is the nation’s biggest mental health conversation. It’s a prompt for people to come together, talk and really listen to one another. Time to Talk day is run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, in partnership with Co-op and delivered by See Me with SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health), Inspire and Time to Change Wales.
Why is it important?
We want everyone to feel comfortable in having conversations about mental health. We know it can be tricky to make the first move and ask for help when something is weighing on us. Getting more people talking, more often, about mental health helps to reduce stigma and normalise these conversations. The power of being listened to can be tremendous. With that in mind, we also want people to feel ready to lend their ears and listen well. We don’t have to be mental health professionals to do this. We can all play a part in getting the conversation started.
How can I take part?
There are lots of ways to take part. It can be as simple as spreading the word and sparking a conversation by posting on social media, displaying posters or adding a Time to Talk banner to your email signature. You can find poster downloads and digital resources here Download a Pack – Time To Talk Day
You could send a message to check in with a friend, invite someone for a cuppa and a chat, or head out for a walk and a talk.
At work you could host a special team lunch or tea break with a Time to Talk theme, or maybe try some walking meetings – some people find it easier to talk about their feelings while side by side or doing other things. (being active is a mood boosting bonus too!)
You’ll find more ideas on the Time to Talk website Time To Talk Day – Time To Talk Day including resource packs for workplaces, communities, clubs and young people.
How do I talk about my feelings?
- Find a way that feels right for you: This could be a face-to-face conversation, or you might find it easier to talk on the phone or even write down how you feel.
- Find a suitable time and place: Sometimes it’s easier to talk side-by-side, rather than face-to-face. You might want to chat while you are doing something else, like walking or cooking. However, don’t let the search for the perfect place put you off.
- Practice what you want to say: You could do this in your head or make some notes. Phrases like “I’ve not been feeling like myself lately” might provide a starting point.
- Be honest & open: It can sometimes feel uncomfortable sharing something so personal, but explaining how your feelings are affecting your life may help others to understand.
- Suggest ways someone can help: This might just be listening and offering emotional support or there may be practical help you need.
How do I support someone else?
- Ask questions and listen: This might just be listening and offering emotional support or there may be practical help you need.
- Use positive body language and encourage them: Small verbal comments like ‘I see’ or ‘what happened next?’ will let them know you are paying attention to them and actively listening.
- Don’t try and fix it: Try to resist the urge to offer quick fixes to what someone is going through. Just talking can be really powerful, so unless they’ve asked for advice directly, it might be best just to listen.
- Dispel any myths and avoid clichés – Mental health problems are more common than people think and can affect anyone at any time. Comments like ‘Pull yourself together’ or ‘You’re just having a bad day’ are not helpful.
- Be patient: No matter how hard you try, some people might not be ready to talk about what they’re going through. That’s ok – the fact that you’ve tried to talk to them about it may make it easier for them to open up another time.
If you want to build your confidence in having conversations about mental health in your day to day life you could have a look at Mind’s free online course “Conversations in the Community”
What if I’m worried about someone?
If you’ve had a chat and someone says something which makes you feel worried, first of all, well done for getting the conversation going, now we can look at support for that person.
There are also national services you can contact by phone – Breathing Space, Samaritans, NHS 24 Mental Health Services
The person may need support to book/attend an appointment at their health centre.
Some areas in Shetland have Living Well community hubs and a Community Link Worker service available. These services provide a wealth of knowledge about local resources and will listen and support people to find the support they need.
You can find advice from Mind about seeking help for a mental health problem here
Mind Your Head operate a number of local support services and groups.
