Supporting Mind Time to Talk 2024

Here at I AM ME, we’re proud to support the vital work of Mind by donating a proportion of our sales to the charity. There is a strong link between us and Mind, as we also advocate for mental health awareness by nurturing an inclusive and supportive community.

Among its many services relating to mental health support, Mind has joined forces with Rethink Mental Illness to create an annual Time to Talk Day. But what is Time to Talk Day all about? In this blog we’ll look at mental health and the benefits of connection…

The importance of mental health

Mental health issues have grown considerably - and globally - with most populations experiencing a rise in this complex and multifaceted area.

Mind’s figures indicate that 1 in 4 of us will experience a mental health problem in any given year. Post-COVID life and the cost of living crisis are adding to the strain and making it harder to look after our mental health.

Despite this widespread growth, there can be negativity and misunderstanding associated with mental health and how it impacts individuals. For this reason, it is vital to break the silence, challenge the myths and foster open conversations around this significant health issue.

What is Time to Talk Day?

Mind’s overall mission is to support mental health, both on an individual level and by addressing communities.

Time to Talk Day is one of Mind’s many initiatives that aim to raise awareness and end stigma surrounding mental health. The day was started in 2014 by Time to Change - a campaign to end negative perception and discrimination - run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness.

The purpose of Time to Talk Day is to encourage people to support one another by having frank and open conversations about mental health. Whether it’s with family, friends, colleagues or in the wider community, talking about mental health can help to support and destigmatise it.

When is Time to Talk Day in 2024?

Time to Talk Day is officially on 1st February 2024. The day is intended to raise awareness and is an ideal opportunity to start a conversation about mental health.

However, the meaning behind it is ever-present so having these conversations is not limited to one day.

Talking is important!

Time to Talk Day encourages people to share their experiences and - in turn - this helps to break down the perceived taboo. By talking more freely, we can feel empowered to seek help and support when we need it.

We are also committed to creating a supportive and non-judgmental environment by talking about our life experiences in an open way. Like Mind, we want everyone to feel comfortable talking about their mental health and wellbeing.

How to talk about mental health

Mental health challenges - and what underpins an individual experiencing these difficulties - can be delicate and deeply personal. We might not always know what to say but that’s not a reason to close off from the conversation. Sometimes just listening - making someone feel seen and heard - can make a huge difference.

Mind offers some great tips on how to talk about mental health as it can be tricky or awkward sometimes. Whether talking about your own mental health concerns, or if someone expresses their experiences, it’s good to know how to be supportive and open around this complex topic.

How can you get involved in Mind Time to Talk Day

If you’d like to find out how to get involved with Time to Talk Day, please visit the website and download a pack.

Mind also offers an online course - Conversations in the Community - to teach us how to make people feel comfortable enough to open up and how to support them afterwards.

Let’s talk more!

Time to Talk Day is the perfect opportunity to start a conversation about mental health. Talking about our thoughts and feelings can be a great way to connect with others - we encourage everyone to contribute to this important conversation.

Please follow us on our socials for more community involvement, inclusivity and positivity. This Time to Talk Day, reach out and see the benefit of connecting with others!

USEFUL LINKS

Mind - mental health charity - infoline 0300 123 3393

Rethink Mental Illness - support and information services - general enquiries 0121 522 7007

SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health) - Scotland’s national mental health charity - general enquiries 0141 530 1000

See Me Scotland - Scotland’s charity to end mental health stigma

Inspire - a Northern Ireland charity supporting mental health, autism and addiction

Time to Change Wales - Welsh campaign to end mental health-related discrimination

Samaritans - Over-the-phone support, 365 days of the year - 116 123

YoungMinds - a UK charity for children, young people and their parents

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