Pop into the Wellbeing Hub (LL13 8BG) on Thursday, February 8 between 11am and 2pm…
Talking about mental health has never been more important, and just a small conversation can make a big difference.
Conversation has the power to change lives…for the better.
That’s why Wrexham Council is organising a Time to Talk event at the Wellbeing Hub (Chester Street, Wrexham) on Thursday, February 8 between 11am and 2pm.
(We know Time to Talk Day is officially on February 1, but for practical reasons we’re holding our event on February 8).
There’ll be lots of stalls offering advice and information from AVOW (Association of Voluntary Organisations in Wrexham), Andy’s Man Club, Papyrus, NEWCIS, NHS Helpline and more.
Even if you feel great, there’s no harm in learning more about how to look after your own mental health and how to support others.
Councillor John Pritchard, Lead Member with responsibility for mental health, said: “We’re all human and sometimes we hide how we really feel. But a problem shared is often a problem halved, and having a conversation with a friend, relative or trusted work colleague can make all the difference.”
Councillor Beverley Parry-Jones, Lead Member with responsibility for HR, added: “There are also lots of agencies who can offer more specialist support and advice, and help people through really difficult times when they’re feeling low.
“If you can, please pop in to see us at the Wellbeing Hub on February 8 and learn more about how to look after your mental health, and how to support friends, family and work colleagues.”
Tips for talking
Mental health charity Mind says there’s no right or wrong way to talk to someone about how they’re feeling, but offers some useful tips on its website…
Ask questions and listen
Asking questions can give the person space to express how they’re feeling and what they’re going through. And it can help you understand their experience better.
Try to ask questions that are open and not leading or judgmental. For example, “how does that affect you?” or “what does it feel like?”
Think about the time and place
Sometimes it’s easier to talk side-by-side rather than face-to-face. If you do talk in person, you might want to chat while doing something else.
You could start a conversation when you’re walking, cooking or stuck in traffic. But don’t let the search for the perfect place put you off!
Don’t try and fix it
It can be hard to see someone you care about having a difficult time. Try to resist the urge to offer quick fixes to what they’re going through.
Learning to manage or recover from a mental health problem can be a long journey.
They’ve likely already considered lots of different tools and strategies. Just talking can be really powerful, so unless they’ve asked for advice directly, it might be best just to listen.
Treat them the same
When someone has a mental health problem, they’re still the same person they were before.
When a friend or loved one opens up about mental health, they don’t want you to treat them any differently. If you want to support them, keep it simple. Do the things you’d normally do.
Be patient
No matter how hard you try, some people might not be ready to talk about what they’re going through.
That’s ok – the fact that you’ve tried to talk may make it easier for them to open up another time.
