Time to Talk Day 2025

February 6th is Time to Talk Day, a chance to open up about mental health with friends, family, and coworkers. Learn the importance of talking, overcoming stigma, and supporting others through meaningful conversations. Discover tips to help start the discussion and offer support.

February 6th is Time to Talk Day, a day dedicated to coming together and talking about mental health between family, friends, and coworkers. Mental health affects 1 in 4 people each year in England, and talking is one of the best ways to combat mental health.

New data released in 2024 revealed that 64% of the nation is putting on a ‘brave face’ to avoid talking about mental health, with this statistic highest in people aged between 25 and 34 at 72%. There are pressures in the last few years that have exasperated this, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis. 29% of people have also suffered from mental health because of work.

Mental health can sometimes be a taboo subject, and 45% of people agree with this, but an encouraging side is that 49% of people are comfortable talking about their mental health with others. Of those surveyed, men felt more comfortable talking about mental health than women.

It’s important to talk about mental health; every conversation matters, and it might just help someone going through a tough time. There is no right or wrong way to talk about mental health, but approaching them in the right way can help. Below is a list of tips to help you. 

Time and place

Sometimes, chatting while doing something else can be a good way to get someone to open up. This could be while cooking, during a walk, or playing a board game. Don’t let finding the right time put you off striking a conversation up, though. 

Be patient

Some people may not be ready to open up about how they are feeling and pressurising them could make them feel worse. The fact you have tried to talk to them may make it easier for them to open up another time. 

Use the right language

Asking open-ended questions can help them elaborate on how they are feeling better. “How have you been feeling lately?” “How does that feeling affect you?” “what are you concerned about right now?” are questions that will help them open easily. Do not say statements such as “You should try to be more positive,” “everyone feels this way sometimes,” or “just cheer up”. These statements can make people feel more isolated. Respecting their boundaries with how much they want to tell you will go a long way, too.

Offer support but don’t try to fix it

Let them know you are there for them if they need to talk about anything. Sometimes that can be a bigger help than you expect. Don’t try to fix it unless they have asked for advice directly. Just talking can be powerful.

Treat them the same

They are still the same person they were before and treating them as such will help them. Do the things you would normally do. 

If you want more information on Time to Talk Day, visit timetotalkday.co.uk where you can find resources and information on how to take part. For more information, you can also visit Rethink Mental Illness

Created by Siobhan Smith
Siobhan Smith
Siobhan is the Content Engagement Lead at FPM Group. She maintains our social media channels, email campaigns and writes articles relating to the UK Health and Care sector.

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