Do you know how to talk about mental health?

Mental health is an issue that affects many people in the UK. A survey published this year reported that 1 in 6 adults reported experiencing a ‘common mental disorder’ such as depression or anxiety over the previous week, and 1 in 6 children aged between 6 and 16 experienced a ‘common mental disorder’ in the last year.

The good news is that there are ways that we can all help our friends, relatives and colleagues who are going through a hard time, or that we know, or believe, to have a mental health issue. If you’re worried about someone it can be difficult to know what to do, but it’s important not to wait. Waiting and hoping they will come to you for help might lose valuable time in getting them support.

Talking is often the first step to take as it will help you find out what is troubling them and what you can do to help.

Tips for talking

• Set time aside with no distractions. It’s important to provide an open and non-judgemental space with no distractions.
•  Let them share as much or as little as they want to. Let them lead the discussion at their own pace. Don’t put pressure on them to tell you anything they aren’t ready to talk about. Talking can take a lot of trust and courage. You might be the first person they have been able to talk to about this.
• Don't try to diagnose or second guess their feelings. It’s most likely that you aren’t a medical expert and, while you may be happy to talk and offer support, you aren’t a trained counsellor. Try not to make assumptions about what is wrong or jump in too quickly with your own diagnosis or solutions.
• Keep questions open ended. Try "Why don’t you tell me how you are feeling?" rather than "I can see you are feeling very low". Try to keep your language neutral. Give the person time to answer and try not to grill them with too many questions.
• Talk about wellbeing. Exercise, having a healthy diet and taking a break can help protect mental health and sustain wellbeing. Talk about ways of de-stressing and ask if they find anything helpful.
• Listen carefully to what they tell you. Repeat what they have said back to them to ensure you have understood it. You don’t have to agree with what they are saying, but by showing you understand how they feel, you are letting them know you respect their feelings.
• Offer them help in seeking professional support and provide information on ways to do this. You might want to offer to go to the GP with them or help them talk to a friend or family member. Try not to take control and allow them to make decisions.
• Know your limits. Ask for help or signpost if the problem is serious. If you believe they are in immediate danger or they have injuries that need medical attention, you need to take action to make sure they are safe.

How to respond in a crisis.

People with mental health problems sometimes experience a crisis, such as breaking down in tears or having a panic attack. In this situation, it is very important for you to stay calm.

There are some strategies that you can use if you find yourself in this situation:

• Listen without making judgements and concentrate on their needs in that moment.
• Ask them what would help them.
• Reassure and signpost to practical information or resources.
• Avoid confrontation.
• Ask if there is someone they would like you to contact.
• Encourage them to seek appropriate professional help.
• If they have hurt themselves, make sure they get the first aid they need.

Seeing, hearing or believing things that no-one else does can be the symptom of a mental health problem. It can be frightening and upsetting. Gently remind the person who you are and why you are there. Don’t reinforce or dismiss their experiences but acknowledge how the symptoms are making them feel.

How to respond if someone is suicidal.

If someone tells you they are feeling suicidal or can’t go on, or if you suspect they are thinking of taking their own life, it is very important to encourage them to get help. Try contacting:

• A GP or the NHS on 111.
• The Samaritans: 116 123 (UK).
• Their friends, family, or mental health services.

You can ask how they are feeling and let them know that you are available to listen. Talking can help the person in need, but it may be distressing for you. It is important for you to talk to someone about your own feelings and the Samaritans can help you too.

What if I’m the one who needs help?

Help is available. The first person to approach is your family doctor, who can give advice about treatment, or refer you for further help. The Mental Health Foundation provide a guide about how to talk to your GP about your mental health in their website.

Specialist mental health services

There are a few specialist services that provide various treatments, including counselling and other talking treatments. Often these different services are coordinated by a community mental health team (CMHT), which is usually based either at a hospital or a local community mental health centre. Some teams provide 24-hour services so that you can contact them in a crisis. You should be able to contact your local CMHT through your local social services or social work team.

Other support services available include:

• Hub of Hope. Is a national mental health database where you can find the nearest help and support by entering your postcode.   
• Samaritans. Offer emotional support 24 hours a day, in full confidence. Call 116 123.    
• Mind Infoline. Provides information on a range of mental health topics to support people in their own area from 9.00am to 6.00pm, Monday to Friday. Call 0300 123 3393.
• Rethink Advice and Information Service. Provide specific solution-based guidance: Call 0300 5000927. Email: advice@rethink.org
• Anxiety UK. Runs a helpline staffed by volunteers with personal experience of anxiety from 9:30am to 5:30pm, Monday to Friday. Call 08444 775 774.
• Citizens Advice. Free, independent and confidential advice for a range of problems as well as providing information on your rights and responsibilities. 
• Step Change. Help and information for people dealing with a range of debt problems. Call 0800 138 1111.
• MindEd. A free educational resource on children and young people’s mental health for all adults.

What are the common symptoms of mental health problems?

Although certain symptoms are common with specific mental health problems, no two people behave in the same way when they are unwell. If you know the person well, you may notice changes in their behaviour or mood.

Click here for further information on a range of mental health problems.