Latest news with #TimetoTalkDay
BBC News
06-02-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Guernsey Mind hosts information stands on Take Time to Talk Day
Islanders are being encouraged to take time to talk in a bid to improve their and other's mental team from charity Guernsey Mind is hosting information stands at Coop shops in St Sampson and St Martin on Thursday, which is national Time to Talk Hibbs, from the charity, said: "Speaking openly and honestly can be the first step towards better mental health."She said there were numerous ways to start a conversation, like sharing time over a coffee or chatting on the phone, and that listening is just as important as talking. Mrs Hibbs said: "Even small gestures can have a substantial impact - offering a cup of tea and a chat can turn a bad day into a better one for a friend or a colleague."Time to Talk Day is aimed at encouraging people to be more open about mental health, start conversations and listen in a bid to change lives for the better.
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
'Rethink mental illness': Experts suggest these ways to prioritize mental health on Time to Talk Day
We independently evaluate the products we review. When you buy via links on our site, we may receive compensation. Read more about how we vet products and deals. 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).
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
MARTIN FURBER: Why talking about mental health matters
Tomorrow, Thursday, is 'Time to Talk Day'. A simple yet powerful reminder that conversations about mental health really can make a world of difference. It's a day dedicated to encouraging open and honest conversations about our mental well-being, to help break down stigma and create a more supportive and understanding society. As a solution-focused therapist, I firmly believe in the transformative power of talking. Sharing our experiences, vulnerabilities, and struggles can be incredibly liberating. It can help us feel less alone, gain new perspectives, and access support we need. Yet, despite its benefits, many people still struggle to talk about their mental health. How readily do we talk about our physical health? If we have a cold, a headache, or a broken bone, we're usually open about it. We might tell our colleagues we need to take a sick day, share our symptoms with friends and family, and seek medical attention without hesitation. It's considered perfectly normal and acceptable to discuss our physical ailments. When it comes to our mental health, it's often a different story. We might hide our struggles, downplay our symptoms, or avoid talking about them altogether. We might fear judgment, ridicule, or even discrimination. This highlights the persistent stigma surrounding mental health. This 'Time to Talk Day' is a good time to reflect on the benefits of talking more openly about our mental health, which can help to: • Reduce stigma: Open conversations about mental health can help to challenge negative stereotypes and misconceptions. • Encourage help-seeking: When people feel comfortable talking about their mental health, they're more likely to seek help when they need it. Early intervention can make a significant difference in recovery. • Provide support: Talking to someone who understands can be incredibly validating and supportive. It can help people feel less alone and more understood. • Promote understanding: Sharing our experiences can help others to better understand mental health problems and develop empathy. Time to Talk Day is a reminder we all have a role to play in breaking down stigma and creating a more supportive society. By starting conversations, listening with empathy, and sharing our own experiences, we can help to create a world where everyone feels comfortable talking about their mental health. It's about recognising mental health is just as important as physical health, and talking about it is a sign of strength, not weakness. Martin Furber is a therapist qualified in various modalities, an award-winning trainer, and an Instructor Member of Mental Health First Aid England wellbeing@
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
"We leave as friends, with all good intentions": school's buddy bench
A 'buddy bench' has been donated to a school in in Blackburn by a housebuilder. Barratt Homes donated the bench for the pupils at Feniscowles Primary School as part of Time to Talk Day, which takes place today (February 6). The school, located close to the housebuilder's Bernets Nook development, will encourage the use of the bench as a place for students to talk to one another and make new friends. The bench includes the inscription: "We sit, we chat and ask each other questions, we leave as friends, with all good intentions." Time to Talk Day, founded by Rethink Mental Illness, encourages people and communities to come together for a nationwide conversation about mental health. Time to Talk Day, founded by Rethink Mental Illness, encourages people to have a conversation about mental health (Image: Mark Waugh) Rob Andrew, headteacher at Feniscowles Primary School, said: "We are incredibly grateful to Barratt Homes for its generous donation of the buddy bench, which will serve as a wonderful addition to our school community. "This thoughtful gesture aligns perfectly with the values we are fostering at Feniscowles Primary, particularly on Time to Talk Day. "The bench will provide a welcoming space for our pupils to connect, build friendships, and feel supported in an environment where kindness and inclusivity are at the heart of everything we do. "We hope that the bench will inspire conversations and encourage empathy, helping to create a safe and positive atmosphere for all of our students. "Thank you again to Barratt Homes for its commitment to promoting friendship and wellbeing." Alan Watt, sales director at Barratt Homes Manchester, said: "We hope that by donating a friendship bench, children at Feniscowles Primary School will have the chance to talk openly to each other and staff members about how they're feeling."
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
'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).
