This year’s time to talk day is on 7 February 2019 and is all about bringing together the right ingredients for a great conversation about mental health.  It’s a chance for us all to be more open when it comes to mental health and help people who often suffer in silence.

Mental health is a serious problem that affects people of all ages and backgrounds.  Figures from the charity Mind found that approximately 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year, whilst in England alone, 1 in 6 people report experiencing a common mental health problem (such as anxiety and depression) in any given week.  This is a problem of epic proportions which not only affects people’s well-being but can affect their ability to work and function in society.  This is why this problem needs to be tackled.

This day is for bringing people together to eradicate the stigma around mental illness, as for too long people have been scared to speak out if they suffer from a mental illness and often suffer alone, allowing problems to get worse and they don’t allow themselves to get help.  This is why it is imperative to speak to family members, friends and support groups in order to overcome these issues and get better.

Here is a list of Mental Health charities which you can contact if you ever feel you need to speak to someone:

• Mind: For better mental health:
• Bolton Samaritans: 01204 116 123
• Young Minds: 0207 336 8445
• Age Concern: 0800 009 966
• Anxiety UK: 0844 477 5774

The most important lesson from today is not to suffer in silence and to seek help in time of need.