Let's Get Comfortable Talking About Mental Health
Talking about mental health isn’t always easy. Many of us put on a brave face, avoid the conversation, or worry about burdening others, but a simple chat can change lives.
Time to Talk Day is the UK’s biggest annual mental health conversation, happening on Thursday, 6th February 2025. Organised by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness in partnership with Co-op, this campaign is designed to break the silence around mental health. Across the UK, it’s delivered by See Me in Scotland, Inspire in Northern Ireland, and Time to Change Wales.
Why Talking Matters
Recent statistics from Time to Talk Day revealed that nearly two-thirds of the UK public put on a brave face to avoid discussing their mental health. Almost half of us hesitate to open up because we don’t want to worry others. But the reality is, talking openly and honestly reduces stigma, creates supportive communities, and makes it easier for people to seek help.
How You Can Get Involved
You don’t need to host a huge event—every conversation counts. Here are some simple ways to participate:
Check in with a friend—a quick text can make a difference.
Host a coffee and chat in your workplace or community centre.
Pop up posters in schools, offices, or local notice boards.
Run a ‘lunch and learn’ session at work to encourage open discussions.
Share your story on social media using #TimeToTalk.
Tips for Meaningful Conversations
Ask questions and really listen. Try open-ended questions like “How does that affect you?” or “What does it feel like?”.
Pick the right time and place. Walking, cooking, or commuting together can make chats feel more natural.
Don’t try to fix everything. Just listening can be powerful—sometimes, people just need to be heard.
Treat them the same. Mental health struggles don’t change who someone is.
Be patient. Some people aren’t ready to talk yet, and that’s okay.
Creating a Supportive Workplace
At VANRATH, we understand that mental well-being is just as important as career success. A positive, open workplace culture starts with conversations. Whether it’s supporting employees in their job search, offering guidance on workplace well-being, or simply encouraging a culture of openness.
If you’re an employer, consider how you can foster a healthier, more open environment for your team. And if you’re a job seeker, remember: the right workplace will support your mental well-being just as much as your career goals.
Let’s Talk
This Time to Talk Day, let’s break the silence. Send a text, share a coffee, or simply ask someone how they’re doing. It might be a small step for you, but for someone else, it could mean the world.
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Resources used for this blog post:
Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/get-involved/time-to-talk-day-2025/
Time To Talk Website: https://timetotalkday.co.uk/
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