Break the Stigma: Talking About Mental Health on Time to Talk Day 2026
- Caitlin Young
- Feb 4
- 5 min read
Mental health remains a topic many find difficult to discuss openly. On Thursday, February 5, 2026, Time to Talk Day invites everyone to change that by encouraging honest conversations about mental health. This day is about breaking down barriers, reducing stigma, and creating safe spaces where people feel comfortable sharing their experiences. The 2026 theme focuses on getting comfortable talking about mental health, making it easier for friends, families, communities, and workplaces to come together and support one another.
Why Talking About Mental Health Matters
Many people struggle silently with mental health challenges because they fear judgment or misunderstanding. This silence can lead to feelings of isolation and worsen mental health conditions. Talking openly helps:
Normalize mental health issues so they are seen as part of everyday life.
Encourage early support before problems escalate.
Build stronger relationships through empathy and understanding.
Reduce feelings of shame that often prevent people from seeking help.
When we talk about mental health, we create a culture where people feel safe to express their feelings without fear. This openness can save lives by connecting individuals to the support they need.
How to Start the Conversation
Starting a conversation about mental health can feel intimidating. Here are some practical tips to help you begin:
Choose the right moment: Find a quiet, comfortable setting where you won’t be interrupted.
Use open-ended questions: Ask “How have you been feeling lately?” instead of yes/no questions.
Listen actively: Show you are paying attention by nodding, maintaining eye contact, and avoiding interruptions.
Be patient and non-judgmental: Allow the person to share at their own pace without rushing or offering immediate solutions.
Share your own experiences: Sometimes opening up about your feelings can encourage others to do the same.
Remember, the goal is to create a safe space where honest dialogue can happen naturally.
When someone you care about opens up about their mental health, your response can make a big difference. Here’s how to provide meaningful support:
Validate their feelings: Say things like “That sounds really tough” or “I’m glad you told me.”
Avoid minimizing their experience: Don’t say “It’s not a big deal” or “Others have it worse.”
Offer practical help: Ask if they want company for a walk, help finding resources, or just someone to listen.
Encourage professional support: Gently suggest talking to a counsellor or therapist if they seem open to it.
Check in regularly: Follow up to show you care and are there for them over time.
Supporting mental health is an ongoing process that requires patience and understanding.
Check-in with friends & family members. A simple text message could mean so much to someone.
Creating Mental Health-Friendly Communities and Workplaces
Communities and workplaces play a crucial role in shaping attitudes toward mental health. Here are ways to foster open conversations in these settings:
Organize awareness events: Host talks, workshops, or group discussions around mental health topics.
Provide training: Equip leaders and staff with skills to recognize signs of distress and respond appropriately.
Promote flexible policies: Encourage breaks, mental health days, and access to counselling services.
Create peer support groups: Allow people to share experiences and coping strategies in a safe environment.
Use clear communication: Share information about mental health resources regularly and visibly.
When mental health is openly discussed, stigma decreases and people feel more comfortable seeking help.
Personal Story: The Power of Talking
I know that it can be daunting and unsettling to speak up or start talking about what is weighing on your mind. I know that it can be difficult to know where to start or to find the right words that could encapsulate what you are feeling or struggling with, at the moment.
My personal experience is that I believed my problems were my problems alone and that others were not interested in me or my problems. When I was at university, I would phone up my mum and unload all of my problems or worries onto her. I later had an image of my mum being a drenched mophead of water after I spoke to her- I would spill all of those 'stuff' on her and she would simply soak it up. After she died, I felt immensely guilty of how I would use her to unload all of my problems onto her. When I shared this insight with my dad, he told me that my mum did not mind when I spoke to her and divulged all my woes and worries, to her. He said 'it made her feel needed and she knew what was happening in your life. It meant she could ask you about things when you spoke another'. When I heard the other side of my emotional venting, I did not feel too bad about those long phone chats where I would rant & rave about the problems I was having.
Before my dad died, we would have long video call chats where we would talk about everything and anything. We loved discussing local politics and he would share crazy anecdotes about his circle of friends and what they were getting up to. My favourite memory I have of my dad is that he would call for a chat while driving home when he was returning from his Friday evening drinks get-together with his friends. At the time, I did not think much of it but now after his death, I realise that it was in fact his way of getting things off his chest. He was not a big emotional talker and rarely shared his feelings or deepest darkest thoughts; rather he would phone to chat.
My experience of talking to share is based on my relationship with my parents'. It was through talking with them and sharing with them, I established a solid relationship with them. Talking to share has numerous benefits, even if the benefit is one sided. That been said, from my experience my talking & sharing meant helped my mum in feeling needed and it helped my dad in feeling connected.
Talking to someone can have dual benefits - for you as the speaker as well as the listener might also feel useful as you are talking to them.
How Greener Avenues Therapy Can Help
If you or someone you know needs to talk things through, reaching out to a professional can provide valuable support. At Greener Avenues Therapy, I offer a safe, confidential space to explore your feelings and develop coping strategies. Whether you are dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, or other challenges, talking with a trained counsellor can help you find clarity and strength.
Contact me today to schedule a session or learn more about how I can support your mental health journey.
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