Mental health, like physical health, is something that we all have, yet speaking openly about mental health is not always easy.
While as a society, there may be more awareness around mental health struggles, most people still find it difficult to talk openly about mental health face-to-face.
However, small chats with your friends, colleagues, and family members can go a long way to making sure you have a place to talk honestly about your feelings.
Small Talks is about taking the time to have these conversations and ensuring that we all make ourselves available to listen. With a few simple guides, we can all positively impact the mental health of those around us.
Take the time
In your day-to-day chats, check in with those around you and make an effort to ask people how they are doing
Try and make sure you are somewhere you feel comfortable – this could be at home or going for a walk
Try asking people how they’re doing every time you get to talk and catch up properly
If you’re concerned about someone, then be sure to find time to ask them how they’re doing
Ask twice
“I’m fine” can be an instant response when people ask how we’re doing. Asking a second time can lead to a more honest and open response.
As well as asking “how are you doing?” as a natural conversation opener, try following with, “how have you been feeling?”
Opening up can be daunting, so be patient and allow them to do so
Learn to listen
Allow people the time needed to talk about their feeling. It may not come all at once, but make sure you’re letting them say what they need to.
We all like to respond to what people tell us, but it is crucial to make sure we’re not cutting people off when they’re trying to open up
Continue asking questions that invite people to share more
Ask if there is anything you can do to help
Keep it up
Don’t stop with one chat. Remember to continue checking in to see how those closest to you are doing.
Evie is a Y Perform Leader at YMCA Yorkshire Coast. She has attended YMCA since she was 7 years old and now, aged 20, is employed to support young people.
“My anxiety began when I was 14 years old. It was at school that I noticed I was starting to get overwhelmed and didn’t know how to control it. For years, I suffered in silence. I wouldn’t discuss the feelings I was having with anyone, and when my anxiety was bad, I tended to shut off.
Talking to people about my mental health made me feel less anxious. It felt like the biggest weight off my shoulders when I finally opened up.
YMCA has helped me in doing that. It is a safe space where I feel confident to speak about my feelings. On top of that, it has activities that can help with your mental health. I started performing in the theatre, and being on stage made me forget all about my anxiety.
I know from my experience what a difference talking made to my anxiety, so remember; Small Talks can make a big difference.”
Evie - YMCA Yorkshire Coast
Small Talks Can Make A Big Difference
World Mental Health Day
Tuesday 10 October
World Mental Health Day takes place on Tuesday 10 October, your opportunity to kick start those Small Talks, helping to break the stigma around mental health.
Having positive conversations about mental health can make a big difference to people’s lives and here at YMCA England & Wales, we will be using the day to host activities and events to raise awareness of the importance of talking.
You can create your own Small Talk events including our Tea Talks or Walk and Talk.
Tea Talks
As a nation, there are two things that we love to do: drink tea and have a chat. We have combined these two loves to make a worthwhile activity that can help you to break the stigma around mental health.
We want to encourage people to take the time to have small talks with each other, so this World Mental Health Day, why not take a break and have a chat with a friend, colleague or someone in your life?
If you are from a YMCA, you can order a free Tea Talks pack. Email our campaigns team to find out more.
Walk and Talk
We all know that going for a walk is great for your physical health, but it is great for your mental health too.
That is why we have combined walking and talking to help promote positive conversations whilst on the move.
You can do this with a friend, or if you are from a YMCA, why not think about organising with a youth group or hosting it with colleagues? Use the TALK acronym to support you and get outside.
We have created a handy Walk & Talk poster, which can be used to encourage people to think about taking part.
Galop
Support for LGBT+ people who have experienced abuse and violence
http://www.galop.org.uk
0800 999 5428
Samaritans
Support for anything 24/7
https://www.samaritans.org/
116 123
Rape Crisis
Support after sexual violence
https://rapecrisis.org.uk/
0808 500 2222
Drink Aware
Support with alcohol addiction
https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/
0300 123 1110