World Mental Health Day: Top Tips
Today, VetSkill celebrates World Mental Health Day. This year’s theme, set by the World Foundation of Mental Health, is ‘Mental Health is a human universal right.’
Mental health
It is estimated that one in four people will experience a mental health condition throughout their lifetime and that those diagnosed with mental health conditions experience disproportionately higher rates of poor physical health. Yet mental health is still a taboo topic, surrounded by stigma, significantly impacting how we access care and supportive services.
World Mental Health Day offers us the opportunity to raise awareness that good mental health is a basic right for all people and that efforts should be made to promote and protect positive wellbeing. Good mental health and wellbeing are closely linked with our ability to cope with life’s stressors, build healthy relationships, work productively and make informed decisions, so we must nurture our mental health and support those around us.
Being open about mental health
Talking about mental health isn’t easy, but it’s important not to let the fear of saying the wrong thing stop you from starting meaningful conversations. Talking about mental health can help to combat stigma, break down stereotypes and, most importantly, enable us to recognise when someone needs our support. So, if someone you care about doesn’t seem like themselves, check in with them and see how they are.
Tips for the listener
When someone finds the courage to open up about their mental health, it’s crucial this is recognised and that they are given the time and space to share their feelings; it may help to:
Find an informal space where you can have a conversation without interruptions, such as going for a walk or finding a quiet café
Switch off your phone/devices and make yourself available, actively listening and being non-judgmental
Use language which is empathetic and understanding, and try to be open to different perspectives
Remember that the onus is not on you to find solutions to problems; listening helps, but signposting is equally as important
Talking about mental health can often bring about difficult emotions, so when a conversation comes to an end, make sure to ask whether the person has someone there when they go home
Tips for the talker
Sharing your feelings and experiences with someone you trust can be challenging, but it can also be the first step to improving your mental health; it may help to:
Find a method of communication which feels comfortable for you that might be face-to-face or over the phone.
Sometimes, it helps to practice what you want to say; finding a phrase which allows you to start a conversation is an excellent way to open up about how you feel
Whilst it’s often uncomfortable to share how we feel, being open and honest about our feelings can help the listener to understand and empathise
Consider what other support may be beneficial and be open to accessing support through signposting
The importance of conversation
Humans are relational animals, and we depend on relationships for our wellbeing. While texting and social media have become the methods of communication, these methods provide a different relational impact than conversing with a friend or loved one. So, it is vital that when we feel stressed, isolated or overwhelmed, we reach out for a supportive voice.
Signposting
Whilst it is human to want to offer support, it is important to recognise our limitations. The following services can provide more tailored, professional help if and when it is needed:
