Mind in West Essex on mental health and Time to Talk Day

Last year national charity Mind found nearly two thirds of people in the UK put on a brave face to avoid talking about their mental health. And nearly half of us are less likely to open up as we don’t want to worry others in already difficult times.

But talking openly and honestly can be the first step towards better mental health for everyone. It can reduce stigma and empower people to seek help when we need it.

Time To Talk Day last week encouraged everyone to get comfortable talking about mental health. Run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness in partnership with Co-op, it’s about creating supportive communities by having conversations with family, friends or colleagues.

The nation’s biggest mental health conversation, Time To Talk Day helps people come together to talk, listen and change lives. It encourages millions of conversations about mental health across the UK.

Andrew Brookes encourages everyone to talk about their mental health (Image: Mind in West Essex) But each year, we’ve also found ourselves talking more and more about a range of other worries, from what’s in the news to the cost of living crisis. This means it is more important than ever to talk, and to listen.

There’s no right or wrong way to check in with someone. You could text a friend, chat to a colleague over a cuppa, or go for a walk with a loved one. However you do it, try to make time in your day for a conversation about mental health.

You don’t have to be an expert to talk about mental health - just being there for someone can make a huge difference. You don’t have to have all the answers or always know what to say; sometimes, simply listening can help more than you may realise.

And if you're struggling yourself, remember you’re not alone. It’s okay to not be okay, and it’s okay to talk about it. Don’t be afraid to speak up and ask for help if you need it.

We all have mental health and by talking about it, we can help ourselves and others. So let’s get comfortable, and start talking.

• Andrew Brookes works at Mind in West Essex (mindinwestessex.org.uk).