The Importance of Talking - Time to Talk Day 2019

Hello Everyone!

Today, February 7th, marks ‘Time to Talk Day. This is primarily a UK based event, that partners with the campaign ‘Time to Change as a way to help have discussions about mental illness and get rid of the stigma surrounding it.

Talking can help to debunk some of this stigma, and allow a chance for individuals to learn more. We all have some kind of ‘mental health whether this be bad, good or in between - so this campaign is relevant to us all. It opens the doors for us to all be more open in preventing those will mental ill health, feeling isolated.

Often times, stigma gets surrounded by these disorders, due to a lack of knowledge - therefore speaking about what mental health actually is, and what it is like to suffer from our mental health can help smash these to pieces and allow more people the chance to find a more realistic point of view. Speaking about these topics, can allow a more open society in general - and help improve relationships, aid recovery and break down stereotypes.

Mental Health problems affect one in four of the population, yet it is still seen as a taboo subject. For people with mental health problems, not being able to talk about it, can be one of the worst parts of the illness. Therefore, by getting the conversation started we can start to change the way people view mental health and give more people the opportunity to help support those in need.

We are the future. It starts now, pick up the phone, go out with a friend, speak to that person on the bus - and talk about mental health! We can change the stigma together

Emma