Time to Talk is a day to end mental health stigma and discrimination. The campaign attempts to create supportive and open environments where people feel comfortable to discuss their own experiences and seek help when and if they need it.
Do you ever find yourself struggling with your mental health or feeling alone? Do you find it difficult to open up about what you are going through?
1 in 4 of us will experience a mental health problem in any given year and is one of the largest public health concerns within the UK. This is where Time to Talk Day comes in.
What is Time to Talk Day?
It is a national campaign that was originally introduced to encourage conversations around mental health, launched in 2014 by Time to Change, Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, it is a day to end mental health stigma and discrimination. The campaign attempts to create supportive and open environments where people feel comfortable to discuss their own experiences and seek help when and if they need it.
Time to Talk Day is all about starting conversations and being open to talking about mental health. You may find it difficult to open up or let others open up to you but receiving support or being there for others can make a massive difference. If someone does decide to open up to you and start a conversation about mental health, here are a few useful tips to keep in mind.
- Ask questions and listen – By being curious and asking questions, you allow the person the space to discuss how they are feeling and to feel heard. Try to avoid leading or judgemental questions but rather use open questions that focus on their feelings and how they have been impacted.
- Think about the time and place – Often it can be difficult for people to discuss sensitive topics face-to-face or over the phone, it is important when starting these conversations that you consider how you can make the other person feel as comfortable as possible. Try to create an environment where someone feels safe to have the conversation.
- Don’t try and fix it – Establishing what someone needs and would like is really important when discussing mental health. Often talking in itself can be extremely powerful, avoid trying to offer quick-fix solutions or advice to someone unless they ask for this. It is important to remember that some people may want practical support whilst others will just want a place to talk and be listened to.
- Treat them the same – When someone is suffering from a mental health problem, it may be difficult for them to discuss this due to the worry of being treated differently afterwards. It is important to do the things you would normally do and not act differently or negatively towards the person.
- Be patient – It can be difficult, but some people may find it tough to speak about mental health or not be ready to open up about something so sensitive. It is okay if people are not ready, being there and showing the person that they can talk to you is sometimes enough on its own and makes it easier for the person to approach you, should they change their mind.
Time to Talk Day Tea
On Thursday 1 February, we're hosting a tea and coffee morning in Tommy's Lounge so that you have the chance to chill out, talk and take part in some fun activities including origami, colouring, and more!
Reach out for support
If you need support, please don’t hesitate to reach out, you are not alone and there are many resources out there if you need help. The University's Wellbeing team is here for you with support and counselling sessions, you can find more information on the Student Intranet or email them directly at wellbeing@royalholloway.ac.uk.
Equally, there are many external mental health resources that you can use, such as Mind (call 03001233393 or text 86463 from Monday-Friday 9am to 5pm) or Samaritans (call 01932844444 24/7 anonymously).
Call 0800585858 to speak to Calm. They also specialise in supporting men dealing with depression, chat online via thecalmzone.net/help from 5pm-12am.
You can also contact us here at the Advice Centre, where we offer free confidential advice to all students, please see our email advice@su.rhul.ac.uk. We offer appointments and also run drop-in sessions on Zoom and in person on Tuesdays between 13:30-15:30. You can join by clicking this link.