This time of year can be challenging for many with shorter days and longer nights, it can be hard for people to get their daily dose of sunlight which can cause S.A.D Seasonal Affective Disorder for some people. The build up to festive season can be a stressful time for many with Christmas being a difficult time for some.
World Mental Health Day is about raising awareness of mental health and driving positive change for everyone’s mental health. It’s an opportunity for everyone to talk about mental health and how we look after ourselves and give people a chance to open up.
Here are some tips for starting conversations about your mental health:
1. Choose someone you trust to talk to
This might be a friend, family member or a colleague. Or you might be more comfortable talking to someone you don’t know, for example, through a support helpline. It can help to do a pros and cons list about talking to someone.
2. Think about the best place to talk
It’s important to choose a place where you feel comfortable enough to open-up. You might want to choose somewhere private where you’re less likely to be disturbed. You also might want to talk while you do an activity, like walking together.
3. Prepare yourself for their reaction
Hopefully, you will have a good experience when you open-up to someone. But there’s a chance that they may not react in the way you hope. This may be for different reasons, like they may be worried or not fully understand at first. If that’s the case, try to give them time to process what you’ve told them. It might help to give them information to read to help them understand. And don’t forget to be kind to yourself and practise self-care.
Below are tips for starting up conversations with someone about their mental health:
1. Find a good space to talk without distractions
If you’re worried about someone, try to find a place where you know you can have a conversation without being distracted. Make sure to give them your full attention. It might help to switch off your phone.
2. Listen and ask questions
Listening can be one of the most valuable ways to be there for someone. Show them that you’re actively listening by facing them, making eye contact, and not interrupting. Questions can help you clarify what they mean and also show that you’re actively listening. But make sure the questions are relevant to what they’re saying, and not changing the subject.
3. Ask how you can help
Ask how you can help or make suggestions, rather than telling them what to do next. They might want support with making a GP appointment, help around the house, or just for you to keep things normal and chat about what’s going on in your life.
Mental Health Foundation 2023 (27.09.2023) www.mentalhealth.org.uk
Get Help
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, you are not alone, and there are places you can go for help. Please visit https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/node/4621