Talking About Mental Health

with Mind in Salford

This past year has been diffcult for many of us, and mental health has been spoken about in the news more than ever. Uncertainty, not being able to carry out our usual routines or see loved ones as much as we’d like, and cancelled plans have all had a big impact on our collective wellbeing. But when it comes to our day-to-day lives, how can we have conversations about mental health, and seek support?

Mental health can be just as important to our overall wellbeing as physical health. However, talking about mental health can seem more difficult, as many of us worry about the stigma of talking about it. This is why it’s important to talk about mental health openly and supportively, just as we would with physical health.

HOW CAN YOU TALK ABOUT IT?

There is no ‘perfect’ way to have a conversation about mental health, but here are some useful tips on how you can talk about it with others:

• Talk in a place that feels comfortable, natural and safe for both of you - communicating in the way you normally would, whether face to face (following Government guidelines), over the phone or video call, or messages, will make the conversation easier.

• Give the other person your full attention – try not to look at distractions such as your phone or change topics.

• Ask open questions that don’t have a simple yes or no answer – questions such as ‘How does that make you feel?’ give the other person time and space to talk.

• Take your time – the person opening up may need time to think about their words, so sometimes there may be gaps while they work out what to say. This is normal, there’s no rush.

• If the other person doesn’t want to talk, that’s OK – even if the other person doesn’t take up your offer of support the first time, this might encourage them to feel supported and to open up in future.

WHERE TO SEEK SUPPORT?

When it comes to seeking support, there are lots of local services available to help, or who can help advise you on where to go. Mind in Salford is an independent, user focused charity providing vital services to make a positive difference to the wellbeing and mental health of local people. We have a number of services available, such as: • Statutory & Non-Statutory Advocacy • Mindfulness Courses & Practitioner Training • Welfare Rights & Debt Advice • Workplace & Community Training • Wellbeing Services • LGBTQI+ Group Support & 1-to-1 Therapies.

For more information, get in touch with our team| T: 0161 710 1070 | E: info@mindinsalford.org.uk | Facebook: @mindinsalford | Twitter: @MindinSalford | Instagram: @mind_in_salford

www.mindinsalford.org.uk