Everyone's mental health is important and having a conversation about it can help ourselves and others. 'Time To Talk' is a day about encouraging each other to talk and have conversations about mental health.
Thursday 6th February is ‘Time To Talk’ day.
Everyone's mental health is important and having a conversation about it can help ourselves and others. 'Time To Talk' is a day about encouraging each other to talk and have conversations about mental health. It’s about creating supportive communities, whether this is you having a conversation with your family, friends or colleagues, we’re encouraging you to start a conversation.
The Statistics revealed from Time to Talk Day 2024
- “Nearly two thirds of the UK public put on a brave face to avoid talking about their mental health”
- “Nearly half are less likely to open up, as we don’t want to worry others already in difficult times”
- (Time to Talk Day, Mind, Rethink Mental Illness, 2025).
We are encouraging you to start the conversation with your peers, family and friends. Asking a question is a great way to begin. You could ask them how their day is or what their favourite food is? Whilst the day is about encouraging open conversations about mental health, it is not about encouraging someone to talk about something they don’t want to. Just starting the conversation shows that you are willing to be there for others and can be hugely supportive. This shows that you are prepared to listen and talk without judgement.
Not sure what to say? Check out some tips to get those conversations started:
- Ask questions and listen
- Use positive body language and encouragement
- Don’t try to fix it
- Avoid cliches, myths and stigmas
- Have patience
Having these conversations can be a scary thought but speaking to someone you trust, in a place you are comfortable, can support you and your wellbeing. Check out these tips to support you having your conversation:
- Do what feels right for you
- Suitable time and place
- Practice
- Open and honest
- Suggest what could help you
These conversations do not need to be around mental health, just by having a conversation can support your mental health and wellbeing. It could even be about your favourite colour. Get Bucks talking this Time to Talk Day.
Check out these resources for additional information
https://timetotalkday.co.uk/tips-to-talk/
https://timetotalkday.co.uk/
You can also collect a free wellbeing kit from any of the Student Union spaces too! This is a self-care kit to support you to support your wellbeing. Check out 'Kitting Out Wellbeing’ for more information. https://www.bucksstudentsunion.org/news/article/6013/Kitting-Out-Wellbeing/
If you would like further support, please reach out or see the support services https://www.bucksstudentsunion.org/support/mentalhealthsupport/