It might not always feel easy to know what to say if someone does open up about their mental health, but it doesn’t have to be awkward and being there for someone can make a big difference, which is why Knowsley is backing the campaign from Mind and Rethink Mental Illness.
There is no right way to talk about mental health; however, these tips can help make sure you’re approaching it in a helpful way:
Ask twice
We know that people often say they’re fine when they’re not. So, asking twice is an important way of starting conversations about mental health and letting people know that you really are interested.
Think about the time and place
Sometimes it’s easier to talk side by side rather than face to face. So, if you do talk in person, you might want to chat while you are doing something else. You could start a conversation when you’re walking, cooking or stuck in traffic. However, don’t let the search for the perfect place put you off!
Some people find it easier to talk about things via text or email, and that’s fine too. If your main form of communication is WhatsApp, check in with them on there.
Talk about yourself
If you want someone to open up to you it can help them feel safe and understood if you share your own feelings. It could be as simple as sharing that you get down sometimes or sharing something that you’ve been worrying about recently. This will make it clear that you’re happy to talk about feelings and that there won’t be any judgement.
Approach the elephant in the room
If you know that someone has experienced mental illness – maybe they took some time off work recently or spoke about it in the past – don’t be afraid to ask how they’re doing. Simply asking, “how are things now?” or “are you back at work?” shows that person that they have nothing to feel awkward about.
If you think someone has been acting differently it’s OK to mention that too, if it is done in a kind way. “You’ve seemed a bit quiet recently, is everything alright? I’m here if you want to talk.” This shows that you care and opens the door for them to chat about things when they’re ready.
Don’t try and fix it
It can be hard to see someone you care about having a difficult time but try to resist the urge to offer quick fixes to what they’re going through. Learning to manage or recover from a mental health problem can be a long journey, and they’ve likely already considered lots of different tools and strategies. Just talking can be really powerful, so unless they’ve asked for advice directly, it might be best just to listen.
Treat them the same
When someone has a mental health problem, they’re still the same person as they were before. And that means when a friend or loved one opens up about mental health, they don’t want to be treated any differently. If you want to support them, keep it simple. Do the things you’d normally do.
Be patient
No matter how hard you try, some people might not be ready to talk about what they’re going through. That’s ok – the fact that you’ve tried to talk to them about it may make it easier for them to open up another time.
There are more top tips on the Time to Talk website.
Cllr Christine Bannon, Knowsley Council Cabinet Member for Health, said:
“Time to Talk Day is about us all being open to the idea of talking – we all need to look after our mental health, and by having conversations about it we can help ourselves and others.
“Talking openly may lead someone who is currently experiencing difficulties to open up about this, and they may need some support, as sensitive conversations may bring up difficult things. There are lots of places to which you can go or direct people for help.
“There’s also support available 24/7 for anyone in mental health crisis and in need of urgent help.”
There are lots of places to which you can go or direct people for help.
The Better Health NHS Every Mind Matters website has a range of dedicated support, expert advice and lots of practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing. You can also get a free NHS-approved Mind Plan, simply answer five quick questions you will get a free plan with practical tips to help you manage stress, sleep better and boost your mood.
QWell offers adults over 19 in Knowsley free digital mental health support 24 hours a day, seven days a week with access to an extensive range of self-care information and resources such as an online journal and peer-to-peer support via moderated forums.
One-on-one counselling sessions with fully qualified wellbeing practitioners are also available 365 days a year, from midday to 10pm on weekdays, and from 6pm to 10pm at weekends and holidays.
Think Wellbeing offers free NHS therapy for people with anxiety or low mood, to help people change the way they feel by changing the way they think.
Available to anyone aged over 16 who is registered with a Knowsley GP, you can self-refer via the website or ask your GP to refer you. Similar services exist in other areas for those who live outside of Knowsley.
SHOUT is a free, confidential text messaging service available 24/7 for anyone who is feeling low, anxious, worried, overwhelmed or not quite yourself. The number won’t appear on your phone bill.
By texting the word ‘REACH’ to 85258 you will start a conversation with a trained volunteer who will listen and support you to get to a calmer and safer place.
Young people in Knowsley aged between 10 and 19 years can access free counselling and wellbeing support with Kooth. The online support is free, safe and anonymous and provides advice on a range of topics. Young people can chat to the friendly Kooth community or speak to a member of the Kooth team.
Meanwhile, the Young Minds website has some really useful advice for children and young people and parents/ carers.
Knowsley CAMHS Services is a referral service for children and young people in Knowsley whose emotional, behavioural or mental health issues are causing them problems in their school, family or social life. If you are worried about your child, make an appointment to speak to your GP.
For those aged 55 and over the Silver Line is a helpline which operates 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. It is free to call on 0800 4 70 80 90 from a mobile or landline.
Listening Ear provide a range of emotional and psychological therapies and support services for children, young people and adults.
Crisis mental health support
If you, or someone you know, need urgent help mental health support please call the NHS Mental Health crisis line on 0800 051 1508. NHS staff will then support you to get the help you need. This is available 24/7 for people of all ages, including children and young people.
Stay Alive, the suicide prevention app (available free on iOS and Android devices), is designed to help both those who are having suicidal thoughts and those who are concerned about someone else.
It has several features including a safety plan and LifeBox where people can upload images or videos that remind them of their reasons to stay alive. The app also directs people to local help and gives people the tools to start a conversation about mental health and suicide.