Time to talk
Today (4 February 2021) is Time to Talk Day, and we’re encouraging everyone to start talking about mental health.
This year’s campaign is themed around The Power of Small, and highlights that even a small conversation about mental health can make a big difference.
1 in 4 of us will be affected by mental health problems this year, but the stigma, isolation and fear of judgement can hold us back from opening up. For people struggling with their mental health, not feeling able to talk about it can be as bad or worse as the problem itself. That’s why mental health charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness are leading the social movement Time to Change and Time to Talk Day, to change attitudes to mental health and end discrimination. And to show our support, we’re encouraging people to talk to family, friends, colleagues or carers, at a time when it’s more important than ever.
We recognise that times are currently challenging and financial strain, worries about job security and stress have been exacerbated. A recent survey* found that financial advisers and intermediaries are no different, with 28% rating their mental wellbeing as just ‘satisfactory’, and 7% as ‘of concern’. It also found that 27% aren’t getting the recommended eight hours of sleep each night – worrying, as a lack of sleep can negatively impact mental health.
To help get the conversation going this Time to Talk Day, there are some helpful resources to get you started, including talking tips and card games.
Remember – you don’t need to be an expert in mental health to help. Making the time, however small, can make a big difference.