February 2nd 2017 is Time to Talk Day. How will you start your conversation?
We all have mental health in the same way as we all have physical health and we all have good days and bad days. It can be difficult for people who have mental health problems to talk about how they are feeling because they are afraid of stigma and discrimination.
Time to Talk Day is all about fighting stigma through having open conversations about mental health. The more we talk to each other, the more chance we have of fighting negative and false impressions of what it is to have a mental illness.
Your conversation doesn’t have to be long or in-depth! Visit www.time-to-change.org.uk for ideas for home, school or work. We’d love to hear your plans.
Ideas for conversation-starters:
- Simply saying ‘How are you?’ is always a good way to start. Listen and reflect on what the person is telling you. What are they expressing?
- Share your highest and lowest moment from the week just gone.
- Sometimes it’s not always a good time to talk. Schedule time for a coffee with someone when they’re pushed for time.
- Send a text. Sometimes it can be easier to talk through text than face-to-face.
- Ask someone to go for a walk with you. Talking can be made easier when you’re able to relax.
Bristol community, equality and faith groups can contact us on info@cassbristol.org for information and advice on mental health and starting conversations.
