I’ve written about mental health here many times. My mental health, mental health in the workplace and all kind of other things. Did you know that this coming Thursday 1st Feb is Time To Talk Day? A day where we can open up and really make some noise about the importance of good mental health.
Charity Time To Change, who are spearheading the day, say…
“It’s easy to think there’s no right place to talk about mental health. But the more we talk about it, the better life is for all of us.
Too many people with mental health problems are made to feel isolated, worthless and ashamed. Time to Talk Day is a chance for all of us to be more open about mental health – to talk, to listen, to change lives.
Wherever you are – at home, at work or up the top of a mountain! – have your conversation about mental health this Time to Talk Day.”
It won’t be surprising to hear that in my mission to keep myself occupied, I decided to get involved with Time To Talk Day this year. I’m not actually at work that day, but I’m going to drop in and spread a little joy in my workplace.
I spoke about the barriers that I faced in work because of my mental health in these posts – When Mental Health Is A Barrier, Why Can’t We Talk About It? and also in my personal life in A Doctor Visit. Unfortunately I do find that healthcare is one of the areas where ironically mental health problems can be ignored. There’s a certain amount of bravado and such that comes with working twelve-hour shifts and dealing with situations that you just wouldn’t see in a normal nine to five type office job. It’s very easy to cast aside those with mental health problems as “not being able to handle it” or similar, rather than treating them (us!) with the same care that you would a person with any other kind of illness.
Anyway, so in order to do my “bit” I’ve got some awesome Time To Talk posters, info cards and stickers to take into work. I’m also making little “self-care packs”, which I’ll hand out on the day. I’m bringing Eden with me, as I think it’s important to learn about good mental health from an early age and she always bring smiles with her too. My self care packs are going to look like this…
And will contain a few little self-care bits. I’m aiming for a packet of mini biscuits, a fruit tea bag and a couple of sticks of Beanies coffee. I’m also putting a Time to Change leaflet in there.
Even if some people think they are lame, I’m hoping that they will get people talking or at least remind people to take five minutes for themselves on a busy ward. I think it’s important to tell people they’re doing a good job in a world where criticism is usually more forthcoming than praise.
Whatever you’re doing, talk about Mental Health on February 1st. You never know who needs to talk!
You can access the Time To Change website HERE
Papa, Eden & Me 
Pingback: Time To Talk Day – How Did It Go? | Mama, Eden & Me