It starts with a conversation – talking tips for Time to Talk Day

Print Solutions

Back in the 1990s, BT told us, through a series of iconic ads, ‘It’s good to talk’. This message worked because people could identify with it; and that remains very much the case today.

Time to Talk Day this year is 5 February. It is a day when everyone is encouraged to have a conversation – as Mind explains, it is a chance to listen, share and talk about what really matters.

This year’s theme is ‘Brave the big talk’, and it is encouraging people to have conversations about those mental health experiences that may still feel unspoken. Normalising open, honest conversations can help reduce stigma and, as a result, make it easier to ask for help when help is needed.

Starting the conversation can make a really positive difference: having received practical advice from the helpline along with financial assistance from the charity, beneficiary Robert explained: ‘I now feel back to a position where I can manage. I am in a happier place. The positive domino effect that came into play as a result of contacting the charity has changed everything.’

Starting that conversation can feel daunting. Mind has shared some conversation tips to help with that. If you are looking to support someone else, the charity suggests:

• Ask open questions.

• Be encouraging as they talk.

• Remember that being there is enough – you don’t need to fix things.

• Be a mental wellbeing advocate by challenging myths and stigma if you come across them.

• Be patient as everyone’s journey is different.

If you are looking to share how you feel, these are some ways to make it as comfortable as possible:

• It is up to you – choose the way to share that feels right for you.

• Pick a time and a place where you feel comfortable.

• It is okay to prepare what you want to say.

• Take it at your own pace, being open and honest.

• Let your listener know what support you would find helpful.

Printing Charity CEO Neil Lovell commented, ‘Time to Talk Day is a key calendar event for us, because at the Printing Charity we say ‘it starts with a conversation’. For practical and emotional support our free, confidential, independent helpline is always there to offer a listening ear, information and guidance. I have experienced first hand the power of simply speaking to someone and being truly heard. Those conversations help and they stay with you. As one helpline caller told us, having someone who listens, ‘It is priceless’.’

The Printing Charity helpline can be reached on 0333 212 3534. In the moment emotional support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on 265 days a year; practical information and guidance, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 8 pm.