How are you?

How many times have you answered this question with a ‘fine, thanks, and how are you?’ when you were feeling anything but that?

It’s extremely important to talk openly and honestly about mental health. Yes, it’s helpful to talk openly to help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, but it’s also got a more personal effect, it can be a huge relief to finally say to someone ‘I am not okay’.

But, we know it’s not as easy as ‘just be honest’. There is, unfortunately, still some stigma surrounding mental health, although we don’t think there should be!

How Can I Help Reduce the Stigma?

Ask people how they are! And ask twice! If you think someone is struggling, maybe ask them when you’re not in a group setting so it gives them an opportunity to talk freely.

Talk openly (if you are comfortable) about things you have been finding tough recently.

Been feeling down? Talk about it! Feeling pressured? Talk about it! Feeling anxious? Talk about it!

You’ll be surprised how many of your friends, family and colleagues have been feeling, or are feeling, the same. You’ll also be amazed how much talking about these things could help. Plus, whoever you talk to might feel 100x better by knowing someone else is also feeling these things…

So how can you start a conversation about mental health?

Speak to someone! Family, friends or colleagues.
Not comfortable with that? There are loads of dedicated services such as the LawCare (https://www.lawcare.org.uk/) helpline – 0800 279 6888 (support@lawcare.org.uk)
If you can, seek help from a GP, counsellor or other healthcare professional.
There are also apps like the Unmasked App which allows you to get anonymous peer-to-peer support (https://www.unmaskedmentalhealth.co.uk/)

Remember, the more we talk about our mental health, the more we reduce the stigma surrounding it.

You can read more about the power of small conversations on the Time to Change website (https://www.time-to-change.org.uk/get-involved/time-talk-day).

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