Time to Talk Day 2021 is on Thursday 4 February.
1 in 4 of us will experience a mental health problem in any given year, which is why talking about mental health is so important.
It’s a chance for all of us to open up to mental health – to talk, to listen, to change lives.
A small conversation about mental health has the power to make a big difference.
We know that the more conversations we have, the more myths we can bust and barriers we can break down, helping to end the isolation, shame and worthlessness that too many of us with mental health problems are made to feel.
Time to Talk Day is the day that we get the nation talking about mental health. This year’s event might look a little different, but at times like this open conversations about mental health are more important than ever.
Its aim is to get people to choose to talk about mental health and by doing so help change lives. Their slogan this year is ‘choose talk, change lives’.
Talking about mental health doesn’t have to be awkward, whether that’s texting a friend, chatting to a colleague or organising a stigma-busting event. Time to talk day wants to get everyone to have a conversation about mental health.
Time To Talk day is fantastic and gets the world to talk more about mental health. But, Mental Health is more than one day, it’s important all year round, 365 days a year. It’s important yesterday, today and tomorrow. This year has been a tough one for us all, prioritising mental health has never been more important than it is now & in these difficult times, it’s crucial to remember your mental health still matters!
The power of small
- Ask questions and listen. Show you want to know how someone is really doing.
- Don’t try and fix it. Often just listening is enough.
- Keep it simple. Chat over Zoom, send a text or phone someone. Once restrictions are lifted we can go for walks, invite people over for a cuppa and socialise. Although we can’t quite do some normal things, there are still ways to communicate and have a conversation.
- You don’t have to be an expert. Just being there means a lot.
- Just have a conversation about mental health, with a friend, family member or anyone!
- Tell your story online, it’s amazing that your own experience could help hundreds maybe even thousands of others.
- Challenge mental health stigmas in the media and the bad coverage it sometimes gets.
Too often, people who experience a mental health problem are also expected to take the lead on talking about mental health in the wider sense. Time To Talk Day encourages everyone to talk about mental health.
So by getting people talking about mental health we can break down stereotypes, improve relationships, aid recovery and take the stigma out of something that affects us all.
Since Time To Talk Day first launched in 2014, it has sparked millions of conversations in schools, homes, workplaces, in the media and online.
Please visit Time To Change website to find out more ways you can get involved. https://www.time-to-change.org.uk/get-involved/time-talk-day
You are never alone, if you need someone to talk to, it’s okay to ask for help – a family member, friend or professional help! It’s okay to not be okay & it’s okay to talk!
Here are some Twitter accounts who do fantastic work regarding Mental Health.
@MindHEY @mentalhealth @XenZone_UK
@samaritans @heads_together @NHSHullCCG
@HullAmc @CHCPHull @YoungMindsUK @PWS_LetsTalk
Also here are websites to fantastic charities and tips /help about Mental Health! https://linktr.ee/MentalHealthAlwaysMatters
Also please see our previous article on BlueMonday, BlueMonday has been now, but the article still contains lots of useful help and information about mental health! https://hullcityladies.com/2021/01/18/blue-monday/
This week is also #ChildrensMentalHealthWeek!
This #ChildrensMentalHealthWeek, help your children to explore the different ways they can express themselves. Artist palette Performing arts Writing hand Musical note
Place2Be have free school resources that can be adapted for use in school, home-schooling, online lessons or independent learning.
https://childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk/schools
Also take a look at this blog which is a guide for parents about teen Mental Health.
https://www.mytutor.co.uk/blog/teen-mental-health-a-guide-for-parents/
It’s great that we have launched our Girls Elite Academy.
We cannot wait to be back playing football & for Academy trial dates to start, when it’s safe to do so.
The Academy will not only be beneficial to improving girls in the region physical health, but also mental wellbeing too! To find out more about the Girls Elite Academy please click here!
Sources: Time To Change, Place2Be
