Today is Time to Talk Day (Thursday 3 February) – a day about creating supportive communities by having conversations with family, friends, or colleagues about mental health. Mental health affects everyone, and by talking about it, we can support ourselves and others.
Tips for connecting with others
Here’s some prompts to help you approach a conversation in a helpful way:
- Ask questions and listen – give someone space to express how they are feeling.
- Think about the time and place – some people find it easier to talk side by side rather than face to face, over lunch or in a private space.
- Don’t try to fix it – just talking and listening without offering solutions can be powerful.
- Treat them the same – to support someone, keep it simple and treat them as you normally would.
- Be patient – it can be hard to talk about mental health. The fact that you have tried to talk to them about it may help them to open up another time.
Look after yourself
Remember your own wellbeing when supporting someone else. You don’t need to solve their problems but listening will make a big difference. Visit Mind’s website for more on supporting someone else, and/or watch this short video on the importance of empathy when listening to someone who is struggling.
Open up about your own wellbeing
Starting a conversation with a loved one, support service, or doctor can feel daunting. If you find talking about your wellbeing difficult:
- Consider how you’ve been feeling over the last few weeks or months – has anything in your life has changed recently?
- Write down some key points to refer to when talking.
- Think about how you feel most comfortable having this conversation – for example, a video or phone call, email or live chat.
- Find a confidential place where you won’t be disturbed.
Remember, no problem is too small to talk about and support is always available.
Support for students
- The Student Hub - available 24/7 to talk and help you access support.
- Wellbeing Chats - talk to a Wellbeing Advisor about available support, or share concerns about a friend.
- Student Space - talk confidentially to a trained volunteer via the 24/7 text support line.
- Samaritans – whatever you’re going through, a Samaritan will face it with you, available 24/7 by phone.
Support for staff
- The Health and Wellbeing SharePoint pages, courtesy of the Health, Safety and Risk Directorate, have resources and support for our staff.
- Wellbeing champions.
- We have trained First Aiders for Mental Health throughout our University.
- We are a member of Mindful Employer Charter where you can find a range of resources for your wellbeing and mental health and work.
- The Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) provides confidential, free and independent support 24/7/365.
