Time To Talk Day: Half of people in West Midlands 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 half of people surveyed in the West Midlands 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 21% actually did so.
Although many people are struggling with their mental health, the survey also revealed 1 in 4 people in the West Midlands say they've seen their support networks shrink.
Some of the top reasons cited were worrying about other people’s problems (32%); not being able to meet to talk face-to-face (29%); and being isolated from a support network (19%).
We've been speaking to people across the region about how they're opening up about mental health or how they approach the subject with someone else.
Leisa Taylor, Worcester
"I like to think I have a good relationship with my 13-year-old daughter and I suppose with her it's not making such a big thing of talking about mental health.
"I try to just subtly check in with her, make sure she's eating, make sure she's getting enough exercise and not having too much screen time which can all be huge factors in improving it.
"When my daughter gets anxious though, although usually it's okay, I do still find it difficult to know what to do other than making her a cup of tea or giving her lots of cuddles - it is tricky.
"I think there does need to be more support for parents though to help them manage their own mental health so they can then support their children.
"Having to help your own child with their mental health must be really tricky if you don't know how to handle it yourself.
"It's weird though because there is that sort of push to talk about mental health yet at the same time there's still a stigma around it and a reluctance to talk about it".
Arun Kapur, Wolverhampton
"In all honesty, I'm not shocked by these figures. We all live at 100mph and at the end of the day we're not robots, we're not here to burn out, we're not to literally work as much as we're sometimes required. We all have thresholds and limits.
"I think to a degree it does go beyond just talking. There needs to be a structure implemented so people are being looked after. Whether they're at work or at home, a lot more needs to be done because everyone has got different needs and wants, but everyone needs a rest break.
"To people who are feeling isolated during this pandemic, if you need to reach out please do it. You are not a burden, you are not disrupting any other person's life if you send a simple text.
"We're all in this together so reach out to one another and communicate as much as possible. The bumps in the road are there to remind us to slow down everyone once and while but we do keep moving forward together."
Denver Thorpe, Coventry
"I imagine it's actually a little more than 50% of people in the West Midlands. A lot of people are holding back about how they're feeling, We have seen a rise in people's anxiety levels, we've also obviously seen a lot of people who have had losses in the family and bereavement.
"It's been an absolutely dreadful time for people, but I'm hoping there won't be any long term effects because there is a lot more known now, and there is help out there where people can admit they needs a little bit of help.
"I do hope people will make sure they get the right professional help if they think they need it or just have a simple talk with a friend. There's so many websites and resources out there for people now.
"My quick tips during lockdown would be to try and stay physical healthy. Eat decent food, try and drink a lot of water, try and get outside into the fresh air for 20 minutes or so if you can.
"The light is a really good way of boosting your mental health, as well as exercise even if it's just a short walk outside. You mental health will thank you after"
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.”