Highland Council supports time to talk day 1 February 2024

Time to Talk Day is the nation’s biggest mental health conversation. Taking place on Thursday 1 February 2024, it’s the day to encourage friends, families, communities, and workplaces to come together to talk, listen, and maybe even change lives.

We all have mental health and any of us could struggle with it, which is why talking about mental health is so important. By choosing to be open and honest about mental health, we are all helping to contribute to changing the conversation around mental health and ensuring that everyone feels supported.

Those we know best are often the first to recognise the signs of declining mental health but may not be the person whom you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts with and that’s okay as there are many other ways to reach out for support.

Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Committee Chair, Cllr David Fraser said: “We fully support the time to talk day on Thursday 1 February 2024, we should never underestimate the ability to change lives by simply being there for others and offering your time to talk and listen. It’s important people throughout Highland know where to find help and support for their own mental health and wellbeing when it is needed.

“Over the past few years there has been increased awareness of the importance of looking after our own mental health and wellbeing, however, we still face stigma challenges and whilst it’s important 365 days of the year to prioritise your own mental health, Time to Talk Day acts as a reminder to us of the importance of kindness and the impact that open and honest dialogue with friends, family and work colleagues can have by simply checking in on others and talking.”

A few handy tips to consider when it's time to talk and listen:

• Be there to offer non-judgemental advice and to listen.
• Avoid using cliché phrases such as 'it will pass' or 'just need to occupy your time'.
• Avoid arguments and confrontation.
• Offer to help in any way you can.
• Help out with practical things such as shopping, cleaning, looking after children, collecting medication.
• Allow family/friend space and time if they need it, don't overcrowd them.
• Don't show concern or fear through your body language.
• Encourage them to seek professional advice when they feel ready.
• Be direct and don't patronise.
• Remember that mental illness doesn't solely define a person.

Do your own research and seek professional guidance, so you can offer more practical support and are better able to deal with the situation you face.

Conversations have the power to change lives, helping to create supportive communities where we can talk openly about mental health and feel empowered to seek help when we need it. Let’s all play our part and have a conversation about mental health this Time to Talk Day!

Time to Talk Day is organised by See Me (external link)- a programme to tackle mental health stigma and discrimination. Funded by Scottish Government and managed by SAMH and The Mental Health Foundation.

For information visit: Highland Mental Wellbeing Website (external link) – Where you will have access to a collection of resources to support mental wellbeing.

If you are concerned about someone else don’t be afraid to ask, “Are you okay” and support them to get help. You can also call Samaritans on 116 123 or Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87.