Talking about your feelings can help you stay in good mental health and cope with times when you feel troubled. This is not a sign of weakness but part of taking charge of your wellbeing and doing what you can to stay healthy.
Starting the conversation about how we are feeling can sometimes be difficult. We might not know who will listen, or even know who to share our worries with when we need to. Talking things through openly can help release tension and break the stigma.
Talking can be a way to deal with a problem you have been carrying around in your head for a while. Just being listened to can help you feel supported and less alone. Talking about your mental health with a colleague can be delicate, but it is an important step in creating a supportive work environment. Sharing difficulties with a colleague or friend can help reduce the emotional impact and can lead to new ideas on how to tackle those difficulties. And it works both ways – by opening up, it might encourage others to do the same.
Listed below are some guidelines to help you approach the conversation thoughtfully and effectively.
Tips to help you start the conversation
Starting a conversation resources
https://www.matesinmind.org/news/how-to-start-the-mental-health-conversation-in-your-workplace
Samaritans discussion cards
Samaritans discussion cards have been created to help you start a conversation about mental health with your colleagues.
If you do not feel that speaking with a colleague, family or friend is an option, other forms of informal help are available that can be accessed at: https://www.lanarkshiremindmatters.scot.nhs.uk/how-you-can-help-yourself/
For details of the support and resources available visit:
- https://www.nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/your-health-matters/
- https://www.lanarkshiremindmatters.scot.nhs.uk/
- https://www.elament.org.uk/
