Time to talk: a stark reminder about mental health
Author
Rob Birley
Updated
Time to Talk Day is taking place 6 February 2025. The day is run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, in partnership with Co-op and delivered by See Me with SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health), Inspire and Time to Change Wales. Time to Talk aims to highlight the massive impact of mental health in the UK.
The human toll of these statistics is especially clear when we look at suicide rates. In 2023, 6,069 people in the UK died by suicide, 75% of them being men. This glaring disparity underlines a core issue: men often find it harder to open up about their feelings, which can lead to silent struggles and devastating outcomes. The Northwest had the highest suicide rate in 2023, with 14.7 deaths per 100,000 people—a stark reminder that location and local support systems matter.
Men in mid-life—particularly those aged 45-49—are at higher risk. Social pressures like “man up” or “tough it out” only reinforce harmful ideas about what it means to be “masculine,” pushing many men to suffer alone rather than seek help. It’s evident that now, more than ever, we need open, honest conversations to destigmatise mental health issues—especially for men.
Time to talk – Young People and Mental Health
It’s not just adults who are affected. A July 2024 survey showed that 1 in 5 children and young people in England has a mental health problem. For those aged 8–16, the rates of probable mental health difficulties continue to climb. Among older youths (17–25), there’s a notable gender gap: 31% of young women are likely to have a possible mental health condition compared to 13% of young men. Eating disorders also disproportionately affect young women at a rate four times higher than young men.
Young people today face unique pressures—from academic stress and social media influences to global events like conflicts abroad. In fact, over 4 in 5 (82%) of young people said they are worried about big political events like war, according to a recent survey by Young Minds. With so much on their plate, it’s little wonder that mental health challenges often peak between the ages of 18 and 25, a pivotal time of transition.
Time to Talk – Older Adults: The Hidden Struggle
Contrary to stereotypes, older adults also struggle significantly. Approximately 75% of people aged 65+ have experienced severe anxiety or low mood at least once since turning 65, and 10% feel this way frequently. Retirement, bereavement, and health problems can all contribute to mental health challenges in later life. Yet older adults often find their struggles overlooked, or may choose not to discuss them, believing they should “just get on with things.” The reality is that mental health support should span every age group.
Barriers to Support and Stigma
One of the biggest barriers to getting help is stigma. A previous survey by The Unmistakeable for Mind found that 1 in 3 people (31%) from racialised communities faced stigma or discrimination from a healthcare professional when seeking support. This indicates systemic issues that go beyond a simple lack of resources. Stigma, discrimination, and cultural misconceptions about mental health make it even harder for some groups to speak up.
Additionally, 2 out of 3 of us admit to hiding our mental health problems by putting on a brave face. Society’s unspoken rules about “not making a fuss” can prevent vital conversations before they even start. Time to Talk Day aims to challenge precisely this mindset.
Why Talking Helps
Why put so much emphasis on conversation? Because talking about mental health normalises the experience and reduces shame. When you share a worry with a friend, it can feel like a weight is lifted. Often, the simple act of being heard can be a first step toward healing. On the flip side, listening can be just as powerful. If someone trusts you enough to open up, you have a chance to offer reassurance, reduce their sense of isolation, and encourage them to seek further help if needed.
You don’t have to be a mental health expert. According to MHFA England, 33% of managers feel “out of their depth” supporting team members who have mental health challenges. Yet nearly 74% do worry about their employees’ well-being. This concern is a good starting point. Being there, listening without judgment, and signposting people to professional services can all help. 29% of managers say they need extra support or training to safeguard mental health in their teams—a clear sign that workplaces could be doing more to equip leaders with the right skills.
Tips for Opening Up
If you’re the one struggling, remember there’s no single right way to talk about your mental health. Maybe you feel more comfortable texting a friend, or perhaps you’d rather have a heart-to-heart on a walk. Some people find it easier to share a note or email before having a face-to-face conversation. Whatever approach feels most natural to you, go for it.
- Choose What Feels Right
Whether it’s face-to-face, over the phone, or writing your thoughts down, pick a medium that helps you feel safe. Some find talking in the car or side-by-side walks less intimidating than sitting across a table. - Pick the Right Time and Place
You might want to talk in a calm environment, free of distractions. Walking or cooking together can make the conversation feel more relaxed. - Practise What You Want to Say
It’s okay to jot down some notes first. You could even rehearse your words in your head or with someone you trust. - Be Honest and Open
It might feel awkward but sharing how you truly feel can help others understand what you’re experiencing. - Suggest Ways Others Can Help
Maybe you need a listening ear, or perhaps help with chores or booking an appointment. People are often relieved to know there’s something practical they can do.
Time to Talk – How to Support Someone Else
Listening is sometimes the most powerful thing you can do. Ask open-ended questions like, “How are you really doing?” Then, give them space to speak—avoid rushing in with solutions or clichés like “Just cheer up.” Instead, try phrases like “I hear you,” or “That sounds really difficult,” which validate their feelings.
- Don’t Try to Fix Everything
Remember, you don’t need a degree in psychology to be supportive. Often, empathy is enough. - Avoid Quick Fixes
Telling someone to “pull themselves together” can do more harm than good. - Be Patient
Not everyone wants to talk right away. Make it clear you’re there whenever they’re ready. - Signpost Resources
There are professional organisations like Mind, MHFA England, and the Samaritans (call 116 123 in the UK) that offer specialised help. If the situation is urgent, encourage them to reach out to emergency services or crisis helplines.
Prevention and Self-Care
While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent mental illness, certain habits can help keep symptoms at bay. These include paying attention to warning signs, getting regular check-ups, and seeking help early. Stress management is crucial. In the Burnout Report published by Mental Health UK, 9 in 10 adults had experienced high to extreme levels of stress in 2023. Strategies like mindfulness, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep are essential for resilience.
Final Thoughts: Keep the Conversation Going
We’re in the midst of a mental health crisis. The numbers—from rising service referrals to climbing suicide rates—underscore the urgency. But these statistics also tell another story: we can help each other by talking openly. Time to Talk Day 2025 is a reminder that conversations about mental health shouldn’t be confined to one day a year. Whether you’re a manager worried about your team’s workload, a young person feeling stressed about politics and social media, or an older adult adjusting to retirement, a single conversation can be the lifeline that nudges someone toward the support they need.
So, let’s seize this day—and every day—to remind ourselves that it’s okay not to be okay. Let’s create communities where vulnerability is met with understanding rather than judgment. Let’s vow to break the silence that so often surrounds mental health. If you’re reading this, consider it your gentle nudge to check in on yourself and those around you. Sometimes, all it takes to change a life is a willingness to listen and the courage to speak up. Remember there are great resources mentioned earlier in this article that can help you take Time to Talk.