How To Talk About Mental Health This ‘Time To Talk Day’

**Updated 03/02/2022**

One in four of us will experience a mental health problem in any given year. Despite mental health issues being so common, there is still a stigma around experiencing or discussing our own mental health. In the UK, 3rd February 2022 is Time To Talk Day. A Time To Change campaign led by mental health charity Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, and a day dedicated to talking openly about mental health and helping to break the stigma. So what can you do this Time To Talk Day to get the people around you talking about mental health?

In the UK, Time To Talk Day, a day dedicated to talking openly about mental health and helping to break the stigma. A Time To Change campaign led by mental health charity Mind and Rethink Mental Illness.

One in four of us will experience a mental health problem in any given year.

Time To Change

In 2018 research showed that over 40% of GP visits were mental health related. Despite mental health issues being so common, there is still a stigma around experiencing or discussing our own mental health. One in four of us will experience a mental health problem in any given year – with the most common problems being anxiety and depression. Talking about our mental health is a really important part of seeking help, so stigma can prevent people from receiving the help they need. But talking about it doesn’t have to be awkward, and the more we open up the discussion about mental health, the easier it will become and stigma will reduce!

So what can you do this Time To Talk Day? Keep reading for activities to help spark conversation!

All the activities below can and should be done on any day of the year! Time To Talk Day is a campaign to encourage us to feel comfortable about discussing our mental health, so it can become a part of day to day conversation. These activities are for EVERYONE – children included.

1. Cup of Tea

A simple cup of tea is not to be underrated. Tea has been a tool for encouraging discussion for decades, whether we actually recognised that or not. When we say “pop round for a cuppa”, we are really asking for a chat. Visit a friend, go to them or meet at a cafe. Ask the other person how they are, but really listen and care about their answer. Doing something as small as just checking in on your friends, family, colleagues, or even neighbours could be of huge benefit to someone who needs to know someone cares.

2. Build LEGO

I love LEGO, so when I read that building with these iconic bricks could be beneficial to mental health I was intrigued! The concentration, creativity, and focus given to playing with LEGO can be helpful for slowing down the mind and distracting from external stresses. Why not host a LEGO building party? Work together to build something, and maybe use the quiet time to spark up a conversation.

3. Go for a walk

Have you ever noticed it can be easier to talk to someone when you are side by side rather than facing each other? Getting out in the fresh air, away from the hustle and bustle of busy life, is a great way to clear the mind and chat with company. Head to the country side, beach, a nature reserve, or park.

4. Arts and crafts

Arts and crafts are a wonderful way to start conversations with people. You could draw or make things which tell a story about you, something that represents a happy or sad memory. The group can take turns to explain their creation and the memory it relates to.

You could even make self care gifts for each other! Check out my step-by-step tutorials to make scented candles, relaxing temple balm, or soothing bath salts.

5. Play Sussed

Sussed? is an award winning card game which sparks conversation! Described as the ‘who knows who best?’ card game. There are a few different versions with different themed cards, check them out on Amazon. Time To Talk also have some printable cards to add to your pack, you can download them here to cut out.

*Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at absolutely no extra cost to you*

6. Make a call

Today, friends and family are spread out across the planet more than ever. Distance can be difficult, especially for those without a strong network of friends and family in their local area. Make a call to those loved ones, check in on how they are and listen to how they are feeling.

7. Play Mental Health Snakes and Ladders

Download the special addition of Snake and Ladders to play with family and friends, packed with mental health facts along the way to spark conversation. You will also learn interesting statistics about how people are affected by mental health, educating yourself with stigma busting information!

8. Ask, then ask again

When someone asks “how are you?”, how often do you reply “i’m good” or “i’m fine” as an automatic response? Well statistics show that the average person in the UK will say they are “fine” 14 times a day! But do they really mean it? When you ask someone how they are today and they say they are fine, ask a second time. Since one in four of us will experience a mental health problem, it is likely that someone around us will be struggling.

Join the discussion

Head over to the Sistabliss Tribe Instagram to join in with the discussion on Time To Talk Day. A safe space for women and girls to ask questions, tell stories, and share useful tips and resources related to mental health and self care. Invite your friends and loved ones to join the discussion, it might just help you to open up a conversation with them.

For more information about Time To Talk Day and mental health resources, visit the Time To Change website and follow the #timetotalk hashtag.

For gift ideas for friends with anxiety, read: Thoughtful Gift Ideas For Friends with Anxiety.

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