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Time to Talk Day; Big Changes Come from Small Conversations

3rd February, 2022 Read time: Two minutes

It’s Time to talk Day, a joint campaign between Mind, Rethink Mental Illness and in partnership with Co-op. The aim of the day is to encourage us all to talk about mental health – however you do it.  

Trying to start a conversation about something as heavy and emotional as mental health, can be overwhelming. But you don’t need to be a qualified counsellor to reach out to a friend and ask how they are, or check in on a co-worker you haven’t seen for a while.  

A quick text, a virtual coffee or a post on social media – it all starts with talking, and it really can change lives.  

 We’d also like to urge you to think about your own mental health this Time to Talk Day (and everyday!). We recently had a talk from Red Umbrella at our staff conference, and the lovely Nathan talked to us about the importance of self-care.  

It doesn’t have to be a big thing. Self-care looks different for everyone. It could be something quick, like taking five minutes each day to close your eyes and think about the positive things in your life. Or something bigger, like cooking yourself your favourite meal. 

 Some suggestions that came from our session included: 

  • Dancing; you don’t need to be a pro to have a boogie in your kitchen! 
  • Running; or any kind of exercise you find enjoyable. 
  • Being in nature; even stopping to take in your own back garden (or houseplants) can be a nice mental boost 
  • Meditation; whether you use an app to keep you on track, or just reflect on your own emotions and thoughts, a few minutes each day can really help you to stay mindful and present. 
  • Spending time with pets; we know you don’t need an excuse to do this, but if it’s been over an hour since you cuddled your pet, go and do it now! 
  • Drinking water; even the most basic needs can be forgotten in the hustle and bustle of life, so taking the time to wash and refill your water bottle can be a great way to do something nice for yourself.  

 

Sometimes, life can get on top of us and we want you to know that it’s okay to not be okay.  

If you need someone to talk to today, the following services offer a friendly voice and a judgment- free space to talk about your feelings. 

 

Samaritans

Call 116 123

Email jo@samaritans.org 

(24 hours, free from any phone)

 

SANEline

Call 0300 304 7000

(local rate, 4.30pm–10.30pm every day)

 

National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK

Call 0800 689 5652

(24 hours, free from any phone)

 

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)  

Call 0800 58 58 58

CALM webchat service

(5pm–midnight every day, free)

 

The Mix (For under 25's)

Call 0808 808 4994

(3pm–midnight every day, free)

Email

crisis text messenger service. 

 

Papyrus HOPELINEUK (Under 35)

Call 0800 068 4141

(weekdays 10am-10pm, weekends 2pm-10pm and bank holidays 2pm–10pm),

Email pat@papyrus-uk.org

Text 07786 209 697

 

Switchboard (LGBT+). 

Call0300 330 0630

(10am–10pm every day, Phone operators all identify as LGBT+.)

Email chris@switchboard.lgbt

 

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