This month, we are focusing on one of the Five Ways to Wellbeing: Connect. Today is Time to Talk Day and the theme this year is “the power of small”, as a small conversation about mental health has the power to make a BIG difference.
Speaking to a friend about their wellbeing:
You may have noticed some changes in your friend’s behaviour; they may not be getting in touch as much, they might be posting differently on social media, they might done something that worries you or may have told you that they’re not doing very well at the moment. Time to Change have lots of information that will help you to start conversations about these situations.
It’s important to remember your own wellbeing when supporting someone else. You do not need to solve their problems but being there for them and listening to them will make a huge difference. It can be helpful to have some information ready about support services that you can suggest for your friend to access.
Visit Mind’s webpage on how to cope when supporting someone else. You may also want to watch this short video which explains why empathy is important when listening to someone who is struggling with their wellbeing.
Opening up about your wellbeing:
If you have been struggling with your wellbeing, starting a conversation about this with a loved one, support service, or your doctor can feel quite daunting.
It may be helpful to consider how you have been feeling over the last few weeks or months, and whether anything in your life has changed recently. If you find it difficult talking about your wellbeing, you could write down some key points that you want to talk about so that you have something to refer back to.
Think about how you feel most comfortable having this conversation – is this via video call, phone call, or would you prefer to write things down in an email or live chat? Whichever option you prefer, make sure that you are in a confidential place where you won’t be disturbed when having this conversation.
Lastly, remember that no problem is too small to talk about and that support is always available to you.
Support available:
- The Student Support Hub is available 24/7 to talk to about the issues you may be facing, and they can help you access further support.
- Student Support Drop-in to talk to a member of Enabling Services team about the support that is available to you or to share concerns about a friend.
- Student Space have a 24/7 text support line where you can talk confidentially to a trained volunteer.
- Samaritans – whatever you’re going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. They are available 24/7 by phone.
