'Rethink mental illness': Experts suggest these ways to prioritize mental health on Time to Talk Day
Discussing mental health can feel scary and overwhelming, but an annual initiative is pushing to normalize it. Thursday, Feb. 6, is Time to Talk Day, a day of awareness about discussing mental health that can be summed up by the day's tagline: "Rethink mental illness." It was started in 2014 by Time to Change, a U.K.-based organization focused on ending mental health discrimination and changing people's attitudes around mental health.
The purpose of Time to Talk Day is simple: Get people comfortable discussing mental health. Like other annual awareness days, Time to Talk can "plant invaluable seeds for future support, advocacy, policy and support for individual, local and global change," says Margot Rittenhouse, a licensed professional clinical counselor and director of clinical services at Alsana.
Kiana Shelton, a licensed clinical social worker at Mindpath Health, notes that it can also be incredibly beneficial for breaking stigmas in communities that have experienced dismissal of their mental health symptoms. "National and global awareness encourages open conversations supporting a collective priority rather than an individual burden," she explains. "For many BIPOC [Black, Indigenous and people of color] and marginalized communities, these [awareness] days provide space to highlight the impact of trauma, systemic barriers to care and culturally responsive healing approaches."
Time to Talk Day is an excellent opportunity to discuss mental health with people in your life and reflect on your well-being. "While [some] people may not have the money or education to provide specific types of support, any human can contribute time to another," says Rittenhouse. "The time that one human contributes to another by allowing them to speak on their experiences can help understanding, destigmatization, normalization and compassion to flourish."
Does the idea of talking about mental health make you nervous? The Time to Talk Day team has compiled suggestions for listening to and sharing mental health experiences. They also provide tips for discussing mental health in different settings, such as with employees, a sports team or students.
When listening to another person's experience, they recommend the following:
Ask questions and listen.
Use positive body language and encourage them to share.
Don't try to fix the other person's problems or challenges.
Dispel any myths and avoid clichés like "Pull yourself together" and "It's not as bad as you think."
Be patient; even if someone's not ready to talk, it may help them to know you're available.
When sharing yourself, the team recommends taking these steps:
Find a way that feels right for you (in-person versus over the phone, for example).
Find a suitable time and place in a setting that makes you feel more comfortable.
Practice what you want to say.
Be honest and open.
Suggest things they could do to help.
Try to speak to at least one person on Time to Talk Day (and most days), even just by text. As Rittenhouse puts it, "humans are social creatures, therefore, while it may feel like effort to reach out, it often refreshes one's battery to speak with someone in their support system."
There are so many beneficial mental health actions — small and big — you can also try on Time to Talk Day along with speaking to others. "It's all about being intentional. You would be surprised that the smallest acts can have grand effects," says Shelton. Here's what she and Rittenhouse recommend doing on Time to Talk Day:
Spend five minutes doing a mindfulness practice, such as meditating, journaling or walking.
Create a sense of accomplishment by establishing a small routine, whether it's taking five deep breaths during your lunch break, performing a short skin care routine or making your bed every morning.
Practice gratitude by naming three things you're grateful for today.
Keep your body nourished, even on a busy day.
Reflecting on your mental health on Time to Talk Day might also make you consider therapy and whether it's right for you. The choice to start therapy and find an accessible option can feel overwhelming, but there are plenty of steps you can take before making that leap. From a practical point of view, you can look into details like what your insurance company's mental health coverage looks like. You can also browse an online directory to see therapists in your area — and, if you don't have insurance, see which providers offer low-cost or sliding-scale fees.
Psychology Today
GoodTherapy
Choosing Therapy
Shelton recommends starting simply with curiosity if your fears stand in the way of entering therapy. Ask yourself what concerns you, such as a potential lack of representation, a previous negative experience or not knowing where to start. "Identifying these barriers can help you feel more in control when the time comes to take the next step," says Shelton.
Plus, it can help to ask people in your life about their therapy experiences, giving you greater context of the many ways therapy can look, adds Rittenhouse.
While many people still prefer the intimate nature of an in-person therapy session, it's also worth looking at the benefits of online therapy — including the accessibility. There might not be a therapist you vibe with in your immediate area who has availability or accessible office hours. If you live with social anxiety disorder, it can be a welcome solution to avoid needing to leave your house or go to a new space.
Aside from making up for potential hindrances to in-person sessions, online therapy has also proven to be beneficial. Studies have shown it is helpful for people living with a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Like in-person therapists, some online platforms accept insurance, while others don't.
Unsure how to start looking for the best online therapy service for you? We've compiled many great resources to sort through, from the best affordable online therapy to the most culturally sensitive online therapy. You can also look at options based on why you're seeking out therapy, such as our roundup of the top online therapy options for anxiety or the best online couples counseling.
If you're facing a mental health crisis, it's also important to know there are resources you can call. You may want to write these numbers on a piece of paper and store them in your purse or wallet to have them available, whether for your own use or to help a friend in need.
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — text or call 988
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline — call 800-662-HELP (4357)
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine — call 800-950-NAMI (6264) or text 'HelpLine' to 62640
Margot Rittenhouse, LPCC and director of clinical services at Alsana
Kiana Shelton, LCSW at Mindpath Health in Katy, Texas
Content concerning mental health is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical or health advice. Consult a medical professional for questions about your health. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, call 911, local emergency services or 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Former MuchMusic VJ Juliette Powell, 54, died 'unexpectedly': What to know about bacterial meningitis
Juliette Powell, a former MuchMusic VJ and author, has died. The 54-year-old, who appeared on Canadian television in the '90s as a host of Electric Circus and French Kiss died on June 3 after a brief illness. According to her obituary, Powell, who was born in the U.S. but raised in Montréal, "succumbed unexpectedly" due to acute bacterial meningitis. "Juliette had a magical way of drawing people in with her infectious enthusiasm, and her brilliant intelligence and gorgeous smile lit up every room she ever entered," reads her obituary. "Her loss is devastating and she will be deeply, painfully missed by so many." This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle. In 1989, Powell became the first Black woman to be crowned Miss Canada. She joined MusiquePlus as a VJ in 1992 before going on to join MuchMusic in 1996. Eventually, she transitioned out of music and became a business reporter for CablePulse24. Following her career in television, she authored several books including The AI Dilemma: 7 Principles for Responsible Technology in 2023. So, what is bacterial meningitis and what are the signs and symptoms? Read on to learn everything you need to know about the condition. Meningitis is the inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord membranes, typically caused by an infection, bacteria or sometimes fungi. According to Meningitis Foundation Canada, untreated bacterial meningitis is a "medical emergency" and can be "fatal in a few hours." Those who do recover can have permanent disabilities, such as brain damage, hearing loss and learning disabilities. The condition usually spreads through close contact to bacteria or virus, such as cold or flu germs. As such, sneezing, coughing, kissing and close physical contact can cause the germs to spread. Because it is difficult to stop the transmission of bacteria, prevention is essential. Bacterial meningitis is diagnosed by a medical professional after analyzing a sample of spinal fluid from the patient. This condition can often be mistaken for another life-threatening illness, sepsis, which is the body's extreme response to infection. Sepsis happens when an infection triggers a chain reaction throughout your body. Without timely treatment, sepsis can quickly lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death. That the timing of bacterial meningitis symptoms can vary widely. Some people can get sick within a few hours of contracting the condition, while it may take others one to three days to show symptoms. Typically, early symptoms, occurring within the first six hours, include fever, headache, irritability, nausea and vomiting. Later symptoms occurring within six to 12 hours involve fever, muscle aches, leg pain and pale skin. After 12 hours, symptoms usually include cold hands and feet, stiff neck or neck pain, rash, confusion or delirium and decreasing responsiveness. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the above symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Certain risk factors can increase a person's risk for getting bacterial meningitis. The risk factors include: Age: Babies or young children are more likely to contract bacterial meningitis due to their weakened immune systems. That said, people of any age can develop the condition. Group settings: Meningitis tends to spread where large groups of people gather or live in close quarters, such as college dorms or music festivals. Certain medical conditions: Some medical conditions, medications or surgical procedures put people at increased risk for contracting bacterial meningitis. For example, having an HIV infection or not having a spleen can increase a person's risk for the condition. There are many ways to help prevent bacterial meningitis. Firstly, different vaccines can help protect against certain types of bacterial meningitis. There are vaccines for four types of bacteria that can cause the condition. Additionally, maintaining good health, washing your hands often, staying home when you're sick and having a strong immune system can protect us from most causes. Oftentimes we carry meningitis germs with no ill effects. However, if your immune system is compromised due to cancer treatments, HIV, organ transplants, infection or other serious health issues, speak with your doctor about how to help protect against meningitis. Lastly, seeking medical attention as soon as symptoms appear is essential. Moreover, as the condition is contagious, if you've been around someone who has it, call your healthcare provider to discuss how to keep from getting sick.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Former MuchMusic VJ Juliette Powell, 54, died 'unexpectedly': What to know about bacterial meningitis
Juliette Powell, a former MuchMusic VJ and author, has died. The 54-year-old, who appeared on Canadian television in the '90s as a host of Electric Circus and French Kiss died on June 3 after a brief illness. According to her obituary, Powell, who was born in the U.S. but raised in Montréal, "succumbed unexpectedly" due to acute bacterial meningitis. "Juliette had a magical way of drawing people in with her infectious enthusiasm, and her brilliant intelligence and gorgeous smile lit up every room she ever entered," reads her obituary. "Her loss is devastating and she will be deeply, painfully missed by so many." This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle. In 1989, Powell became the first Black woman to be crowned Miss Canada. She joined MusiquePlus as a VJ in 1992 before going on to join MuchMusic in 1996. Eventually, she transitioned out of music and became a business reporter for CablePulse24. Following her career in television, she authored several books including The AI Dilemma: 7 Principles for Responsible Technology in 2023. So, what is bacterial meningitis and what are the signs and symptoms? Read on to learn everything you need to know about the condition. Meningitis is the inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord membranes, typically caused by an infection, bacteria or sometimes fungi. According to Meningitis Foundation Canada, untreated bacterial meningitis is a "medical emergency" and can be "fatal in a few hours." Those who do recover can have permanent disabilities, such as brain damage, hearing loss and learning disabilities. The condition usually spreads through close contact to bacteria or virus, such as cold or flu germs. As such, sneezing, coughing, kissing and close physical contact can cause the germs to spread. Because it is difficult to stop the transmission of bacteria, prevention is essential. Bacterial meningitis is diagnosed by a medical professional after analyzing a sample of spinal fluid from the patient. This condition can often be mistaken for another life-threatening illness, sepsis, which is the body's extreme response to infection. Sepsis happens when an infection triggers a chain reaction throughout your body. Without timely treatment, sepsis can quickly lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death. That the timing of bacterial meningitis symptoms can vary widely. Some people can get sick within a few hours of contracting the condition, while it may take others one to three days to show symptoms. Typically, early symptoms, occurring within the first six hours, include fever, headache, irritability, nausea and vomiting. Later symptoms occurring within six to 12 hours involve fever, muscle aches, leg pain and pale skin. After 12 hours, symptoms usually include cold hands and feet, stiff neck or neck pain, rash, confusion or delirium and decreasing responsiveness. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the above symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Certain risk factors can increase a person's risk for getting bacterial meningitis. The risk factors include: Age: Babies or young children are more likely to contract bacterial meningitis due to their weakened immune systems. That said, people of any age can develop the condition. Group settings: Meningitis tends to spread where large groups of people gather or live in close quarters, such as college dorms or music festivals. Certain medical conditions: Some medical conditions, medications or surgical procedures put people at increased risk for contracting bacterial meningitis. For example, having an HIV infection or not having a spleen can increase a person's risk for the condition. There are many ways to help prevent bacterial meningitis. Firstly, different vaccines can help protect against certain types of bacterial meningitis. There are vaccines for four types of bacteria that can cause the condition. Additionally, maintaining good health, washing your hands often, staying home when you're sick and having a strong immune system can protect us from most causes. Oftentimes we carry meningitis germs with no ill effects. However, if your immune system is compromised due to cancer treatments, HIV, organ transplants, infection or other serious health issues, speak with your doctor about how to help protect against meningitis. Lastly, seeking medical attention as soon as symptoms appear is essential. Moreover, as the condition is contagious, if you've been around someone who has it, call your healthcare provider to discuss how to keep from getting sick.
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Yahoo
State maternal death review board stops quarterly updates. Health officials won't say why.
Tennessee's Maternal Mortality Review Committee was established in 2016 to investigate the deaths of women during and after childbirth in an effort to reduce the state's high maternal mortality rates. The committee publishes annual reports, as required by state law, but for years it also published shorter, quarterly notifications that identified important, emerging issues for providers, healthcare facilities and organizations. The quarterly reports would include recommendations such as the Tennessee Health Department providing funding for home visiting referrals for pregnant women and state agencies increasing funding for public outreach on fentanyl use. In 2023, the committee stopped publishing those reports before the end of the fourth quarter. It's unclear why. The change came in the year after Tennessee passed one of the nation's strictest abortion laws after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. And it comes at a time when Tennessee continues to see one of the highest maternal death rates in the country, especially for Black women. A spokesperson for the Tennessee Department of Health did not answer multiple questions from The Tennessean as to why the committee stopped publishing quarterly notifications. The committee's program director did not respond to emails requesting comment. Sen. London Lamar, D-Memphis, a vocal advocate for maternal health equity, said the state's maternal mortality board should publish quarterly updates. She noted that the death data in the annual reports are delayed by two years. The data for the 2024 report released the year, for example, focused on pregnancy-related deaths from 2020 to 2022. Lamar said the state should also be investigating and providing updates on whether pregnant women are dying due to lack of care under abortion laws. Cases have surfaced in Texas and Georgia where abortion has been greatly restricted. 'We definitely need to have these quarterly updates because it allows us to respond in real time,' Lamar said in an interview. 'The landscape is ever evolving, and when you have this data you can keep your finger on the pulse of what's really happening.' 'I think it provides a type of transparency that the state no longer wants to give with the abortion ban,' she added. Every state has a Maternal Mortality Mortality Review Committee and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) works with the boards on their review process for maternal deaths. The boards, which typically have a mix of medical and public health professionals, review deaths that occur during pregnancy or within one year after the end of a pregnancy, with the goal of providing recommendations that can prevent future deaths. Committees in some states have found themselves in political crosshairs in a new landscape of abortion laws. In Georgia, state officials dismissed all members of its maternal mortality review committee after the investigative news outlet PropPublica obtained documents showing the deaths of two women who died without access to care due to the state's abortion laws. And last year, the Texas maternal mortality committee received backlash after it announced it would not review maternal deaths for 2022 and 2023, the years following that state's abortion laws. Tennessee's Maternal Mortality Review Committee has nearly 50 members that include mostly public health officials, doctors and nurses. Last year, the state passed a bill, introduced by Lamar, that would add members from grassroots and community organizations with experience in maternal health equity. Tennessee consistently ranks among the worst in the nation for maternal deaths. A CDC report this year ranked the state as number one for maternal deaths, with a rate of 41.1 deaths per 100,000 births between 2018-2022. Mississippi came in second with 39.1 deaths per 100,000 births. The Maternal Mortality Review Committee's most recent annual report for 2024 showed some progress. Pregnancy-associated deaths, which are deaths that occur during pregnancy or within one year after the end of pregnancy from any cause, decreased 26% in 2022 to 100. The change comes after a sharp increase from 2019 to 2021 due to multiple factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic and improvements in identifying pregnancy associated deaths. Drug overdoses remain a leading cause of death for pregnancy-associated deaths. From 2019 to 2021, the rate nearly tripled, largely due to fentanyl, officials said. Pregnancy-related deaths, which are caused by or related to the pregnancy, decreased 15% in 2022. The leading case was substance abuse, followed by cardiovascular conditions and COVID-19 infection. The state continues to see major racial disparities in maternal mortality. Black women are nearly twice as likely to die compared to White women and nearly three times more likely to die than Hispanic women. Overall, the committee found that in 2022, 76% of pregnancy-related deaths were preventable, which it said 'underscores the importance of focused prevention strategies...' The committee has published a strategic plan for 2025-2030 that outlines a range of goals and strategies. Main goals include improved access to quality care, strengthening maternal health workforces and infrastructure, and improved mental health screenings. The plan also recommends developing a statewide network of providers of obstetric and high-risk perinatal telehealth services, which could impact women in rural areas where the number of hospitals continue to dwindle. Lamar, who was the first Tennessee state senator to give birth while in office in 2023, said more needs to be done to protect Black mothers. Next year, she hopes to pass a bill that would see doula services covered by TennCare. She said she also hopes the Maternal Mortality Committee will resume publishing their quarterly reports. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee maternal death review board stops quarterly updates
