Time to Talk Because Talking Still Matters
Today, 5th February, is Time to Talk day, the UK’s biggest conversation around mental health and wellbeing and an opportunity to listen, share, and talk about what really matters.
Today, 5Mind, the national association for mental health, is encouraging people to “brave the big talk” and have conversations about mental health experiences that might still feel a bit unspoken.
“We’ve made great progress in destigmatising mental health problems and improving attitudes,” say Mind on their website. “But we need to keep going. There are still times when what we are living through can feel really big and difficult to talk about.”
Talking openly and honestly about our mental health can be an incredibly powerful step in improving mental wellbeing for everyone. It can reduce stigma, and give people the confidence to seek help if they need it. And let’s face it, sometimes saying things out loud can, in and of itself, make things seem so much better.
Talking and listening goes two ways. You might feel that your own mental health is just fine, but what about those around you? We can all take a lead in looking after ourselves and others by talking. So will you brave the talk?
Here are some ideas from Mind. Reach out to friends and family members and ask how they’re doing. Call on a neighbour and suggest going for a walk. Invite a colleague for a cuppa and a chat.
And what about locally? Well there are a number of organisations and projects supporting mental wellbeing, alongside better social connectedness, right across our district. Adullam is a great example, offering courses on living life to the full, helping people through recovery, supporting people with debt, offering men a place to work through their mental wellbeing challenges with ‘Talk Club’, helping people to improve their self esteem, and all of these are available to anyone who might need them. You can find out more on their website.
Socialease supports people living with social anxiety. Lancaster Men’s Hub offers a space for men to come together and improve their physical and mental wellbeing through a range of activities, including a regular Friday luncheon at The Cornerstone in Lancaster. And there are so many more activities on offer right across Lancaster and Morecambe from all kinds of community organisations. So take that step, brave the talk, and change your life today.
