Time to Talk Day 2020

Today, Thursday 6th February, is Time to Talk Day 2020.

Time to Talk Day encourages people to talk openly about mental health and to feel comfortable raising the topic, whether they are seeking help or offering support to others. As stated on the Time to Talk website, 1 in 4 of people will experience difficulties with mental health over the course of the next year. By talking and being open to people, we can provide invaluable support to those around us. 

We are joining in the campaign to reinforce the message that it’s ok to talk about mental health. 

One of our team has shared a few words on their own experience of dealing with mental health issues and how talking has helped them:

“In the last year, I have struggled with mental health and have been diagnosed with depression and anxiety, however this is not the first time I have had this battle. 

In spring 2018 I experienced depression for the first time and over the course of about 6 months dealt with it and ultimately reached a place where I felt back to normal and able to be without antidepressant medication. 

To find that at the end of summer 2019 I was re-experiencing the start of a downward spiral was harder than dealing with it the first time. I felt ashamed that I hadn’t been able to stay strong and resilient. I felt weak and worthless. 

I have been incredibly fortunate to have a support network, especially in the workplace. I strongly believe that being able to talk openly about mental health at work is of utmost importance. Along with medical steps that I have taken, being able to say to my manager ‘today is not a good day’ has meant that I don’t have to face the hard days being isolated. Having the support and understanding has allowed me to face the days which were previously too much of a challenge. 

I have also found it incredibly helpful to have a colleague who I can turn to outside of my own team. Having that support away from your immediate work space gives you a structured space to step back for a moment while also having someone to support you. 

I recently read an article published by the Law Society Gazette titled ‘How to talk to a depressed colleague’. It struck me how much some elements of it rang true with me. Not only from my own experiences of mental ill-health but of wondering how I would act on the other side of the situation. 

Writing this piece to raise awareness for Time to Talk day was something I felt passionate about doing. Within the support network that has been provided for me, I don’t feel ashamed to say when I am struggling any longer and I wholeheartedly agree that the stigma that still very much surrounds mental health needs to be removed. By sharing my story, I hope that it will help others, whether to feel comfortable talking about their own mental health, to support a friend or colleague who is struggling.”