Time To Talk Day: Over a third people in the South West feel they need time off to deal with their mental health
A survey's found people are struggling more with their mental health during the pandemic
Today we're being encouraged to join the national conversation about mental health as part of Time To Talk Day.
It's about opening up the conversation around mental health and having a national conversation on the issue - which appears to be more important than ever during the pandemic.
New figures released today from mental health charity Time to Change reveal over a third of people surveyed in the South West say they've needed to take time off work, school or university to deal with their mental health because of the pandemic.
However despite so many recognising a need to take time out, only 15% actually did so.
Although many people are struggling with their mental health, the survey also revealed 1 in 5 people in the South West say they've seen their support networks shrink.
Some of the top reasons cited were worrying about other people’s problems, not being able to meet to talk face-to-face and being isolated from a support network.
We've been speaking to the Youth Support Team in Gloucestershire about how they've been opening up the conversation to young people.
Kat Aukett, Director of Operations
"I think the best way to approach the conversation is very gently and by havinga trusting relationship.
"It's also so important to ask the right questions like "how are you" and "how's' your day been" directly and be ready to listen rather than be dismissive in your approach.
"I think it's also really helped that celebrities and sports personalities are talking about it as they've brought the subject into the public eye more which may help people and young people relate to it more and feel comfortable about opening up.
"Having a large toolbox of engaging children and young people in talking about the mental health is also really important and so people can find out which way works for them".
Leisa Taylor, Information Officer and former youth worker
"I think it's so important to not have leading and loaded questions.
"Also not to assume that their mental health is suffering at the moment but then also being open to the response you might get.
"I think the pandemic has show us how we talk to people just generally too.
"In the last 11 months people are reaching out to each other more so we're approaching the world with more kindness and less divisiveness.
"It is about about a variety ways of talking to people though and getting out messages".
Jo Loughran, Director of Time to Change, said:
"We know that attitudes towards those of us with mental health problems have improved in recent years and it’s important that we don’t let that slide.
"The last year has been hard and it’s perhaps made more people realise that we can all struggle with our mental health at times. Let’s take this opportunity to ensure that we all feel comfortable talking about it, too.
“It’s easy to think we haven’t got the power to make a change. But lots of ‘small’ conversations can add up to a big difference in tackling the stigma and discrimination too many people still experience because of their mental health.
"So, this Time to Talk Day, play your part - send a text, reach out, have a conversation.”