It can be easy to underestimate the power of conversation in our everyday lives. A kind word or a moment spent connecting, no matter how brief, will never go unnoticed.
Time to Talk day is a national awareness campaign led by Mind. It is designed to encourage meaningful conversations about mental health, and act as a reminder that they don’t need to be planned or perfect, they just need to happen.
This year, colleagues across #TeamHIOWH have shared their practical advice and tips on creating supportive spaces to talk and listen.
Creating conversation
Speaking openly about how we feel can be challenging but having a few gentle prompts can make it easier to start. Here are a few suggestions from #TeamHIOWH:
- How are you feeling today? - If the first answer is 'ok' or 'fine,' check if that’s how they are really feeling
- What would you like to talk about today?
- What do you find helps you when you are feeling overwhelmed/stressed?
- What is something you have done today/this week/recently that has made you feel good about yourself?
- What's the most impactful feeling in your head right now?
- Is there anything you wish went differently this week?
- What's something that happened this week that you wish you had an excuse to talk about?
- Is there something that happened within the last month that you still feel you are thinking about right now (good or bad)? What sort of emotions or thoughts come alongside that?
Remember, there is no right or wrong way to talk, starting a conversation because you genuinely care speaks louder than perfectly chosen words.
For more ways to start a conversation, visit the Mind website.
The act of listening
When speaking about mental health it’s natural to feel pressure to provide a solution. But you don’t need to have all the answers - it’s often the act of listening which matters most.
- Be present and offer your attention, without distractions or judgement.
- Respect boundaries and let them lead the conversation.
- Repeat things back to them to show you have acknowledged what they are saying.
Beyond the conversation
The need for open and honest conversation goes far beyond Time to Talk Day. Think about how you build space for meaningful conversations into your daily routine. Whether it’s a simple text to a friend, a quick check-in with a neighbour, or a chat over a cuppa with a colleague, each moment can have a huge impact.