Every year we celebrate World Mental Health Day on 10th October. The theme for 2023, set by the World Foundation of Mental Health, is ‘Mental health is a universal human right.’
World Mental Health Day is about raising awareness of mental health and driving positive change for everyone’s mental health.
It’s also a chance to talk about mental health, how we need to look after it, and how important it is to get help if you are struggling.
Come together with friends, families or colleagues this World Mental Health Day and help spread the word about the importance of mental health.
🌎💚🌎💚🌎💚🌎💚
Talking is good for your mental health. And talking about mental health is important. But starting a conversation isn’t always easy.
Whether you’d like to talk to someone about how you’re feeling, or check-in with someone you care about, here are some
tips that can help:
Talking about your own Mental Health 🌎💚
Choose someone you trust to talk to
This might be a friend, family member or a colleague. Or you might be more comfortable talking to someone you don’t know, for example, through a support helpline. It can help to do a pros and cons list about talking to someone.
Think about the best place to talk
It’s important to choose a place where you feel comfortable enough to open-up. You might want to choose somewhere private where you’re less likely to be disturbed. You also might want to talk while you do an activity, like walking together.
Prepare yourself for their reaction
Hopefully, you will have a good experience when you open-up to someone. But there’s a chance that they may not react in the way you hope. This may be for different reasons, like they may be worried or not fully understand at first. If that’s the case, try to give them time to process what you’ve told them. It might help to give them information to read to help them understand. And don’t forget to be kind to yourself and practice self-care.
Talking to someone about their Mental Health 🌎💚
Find a good space to talk without distractions
If you’re worried about someone, try to find a place where you know you can have a conversation without being distracted. Make sure to give them your full attention. It might help to switch off your phone.
Listen and ask questions
Listening can be one of the most valuable ways to be there for someone. Show them that you’re actively listening by facing them, making eye contact, and not interrupting. Questions can help you clarify what they mean and also show that you’re actively listening. But make sure the questions are relevant to what they’re saying, and not changing the subject.
Ask how you can help
Ask how you can help or make suggestions, rather than telling them what to do next. They might want support with making a GP appointment, help around the house, or just for you to keep things normal and chat about what’s going on in your life.
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, you are not alone, and there are places you can go to get help.
Usually, your GP is the first place you should go if you have concerns about your mental health that won’t go away – or if you have thoughts about suicide at any time.
Contact the NHS 24 Mental Health Hub by calling 111 if you need to get help when your GP isn’t open or available.
You may prefer to get free, confidential support by phone or online. You can:
Call Samaritans on 116 123 at any time of the day or night
Call Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87 or visit their website
Message SHOUT to 85258 for 24/7 text support on your mobile
If you are a child or young person, you can call Childline on 0800 1111 or talk to them online
Call the CALM helpline on 0800 58 58 58 or use their webchat here. The helpline and webchat are both open 5pm to midnight, 365 days a year.
Please don't suffer in silence xxx