Time To Talk Day 2023: Conversation tips
It’s time to talk: conversation tips
Celebrating Time to Talk Day 2023 with tips on starting wellbeing conversations.
This year, Time To Talk Day is Thursday 2nd February.
Time to Talk Day (TTTD) is all about encouraging individuals to make space in their day-to-day lives for a conversations about mental health. Happening every year, it’s a day for friends, families, communities, and workplaces to come together to talk, listen and change lives.
Here at Bath Mind, we believe in the power of connection.
There is no right way to talk about mental health; however, these tips can help make sure you’re approaching it in a way that’s comfortable for you and the person you’re communicating with.
Consider who you will talk to
🗣 Do you feel most comfortable opening up to a friend or family member, or would you prefer talking to a therapist or organisation like Bath Mind?
Think about the time and place
🗣 Try talking away from distractions like TV and work. Many of us don’t like talking in person, so you could video call or check in via WhatsApp instead.
Take away eye contact
🗣 Taking away eye contact can make it a lot easier to broach difficult subjects openly and honestly. Why not try talking side by side while on a walk, on a drive or while baking?
Open questions
🗣 If someone has taken the step to confide in you, ask open questions to reassure them that you are listening and give them space to express how they’re feeling. Try to ask open questions such as “how long have you felt like this?” and “can you elaborate on that?”
Ask twice
🗣 Sometimes, when we’re asked “how are you?” our go-to reply is “I’m fine”. But if that person follows up with, “Are you sure everything is OK?” we know that they really do want to know how we are.
Listen with patience
🗣 Let others finish their sentences and show them you’re listening and engaged with open body language, such as eye contact and nodding. Allowing silences is also really important as it’s these times when the person will often express their feelings.
Don't try and fix it
🗣 Learning to manage or recover from mental ill health is a journey, so resist the urge to offer quick fixes. You don’t need to be an expert – just show up, listen to what they’re saying, and show support.
Want to join in at one of our Time to Talk Day events?
Take a look at our events page for more information!
Posted on: 31st January 2023
