Today, Friday 16th May, has been designated as national Time to Talk Day, which invites people to take some time for a conversation about mental health. National Time to Talk Day is one of the key features of the annual Green Ribbon Campaign, which is promoting open discussion of mental health during the month of May.
Launching National Time to Talk day as part of the Green Ribbon campaign, See Change ambassador Siobhéal Nic Eochaidh said “Talking was so important to me when I went through a tough time. It is important that people realise that you don’t have to be an expert to start talking about mental health. All you have to do is let someone know you are there for them and simply listen.”
During National Time to Talk Day, people are encouraged to make the space and time for conversation of mental health in their homes, workplaces, colleges, schools and communities.
Tips for starting a conversation on mental health:
1. Ask how you can help – everyone’s experience is different
2. Just listen – it’s ok not to say anything or not to have the answers
3. Avoid clichés – “Cheer up”, “Pull yourself together” and “I’m sure it will pass” will not help the conversation
4. Show support – check in, text, ask how they are doing. Tell the person you are there for them and mean it
John Saunders, Director, See Change said, “It is inspiring to see more than 50 ambassadors coming forward to openly talk about their own experiences of mental health problems as part of the Green Ribbon Campaign. Anyone of us can go through a tough time but the silence around mental health stops people seeking help and can make the experience of being unwell even harder.”
During the month of May, hundreds of local and national events will take place as part of the Green Ribbon national calendar. This social movement to encourage a national conversation about mental health is led by 90 partner organisations, hundreds of volunteers and an unprecedented 50 campaign ambassadors with real-life experience of mental health problems ready to share their own stories to help others and end stigma.
Take part in National Time to Talk Day on Friday May 16th by making some time and space for a conversation about mental health with family, friends and colleagues; Tweet using the hashtag #TimetoTalk,
