Time to Talk Day – led by Mind – encourages us to start conversations about mental health. It’s a chance to listen, share, and talk about what really matters.
Why is talking important?
As Mind puts it:
“Talking openly and honestly can be the first step towards better mental health for everyone. It can even save lives. Talking can reduce stigma and help people feel comfortable enough to seek help when they need it.”
It’s a great campaign, and we’d encourage everyone to think about how they can embed these ideas and tips into everyday life – not just on one day a year.
But while sharing how we feel can help us feel supported, it’s often not easy.
So this Time to Talk Day, the MindWell team reflected on what makes conversations about mental health easier – and what can sometimes get in the way.
This blog is based on that reflection. These aren’t clinical recommendations – just shared experiences that many people may recognise.
Here’s what stood out.
Mental health isn’t just about illness
One of the first things we talked about was how “mental health” is often used to mean poor mental health or mental illness.
But mental health is more like physical health – we all have it, and it changes over time. People move up and down depending on what’s happening in their lives, how much support they have, and what they’re carrying.
We reflected on how distress at any point on that spectrum can have a big impact on someone’s day-to-day life.
Sometimes it’s hard to find the words
Another theme was how hard it can be to notice and name our own feelings.
People often default to saying “I’m fine”, even when something isn’t quite right.
There could be many reasons for this – maybe they just don’t want to share. But sometimes it’s simply hard to work out what’s going on inside. Is it sadness? grief? anger?
We’re not always encouraged to tune into our bodies or emotions, or to be curious about how we’re really feeling. That can make talking harder, because it’s difficult to share something you haven’t yet been able to recognise or describe.
Talking can feel risky – and context matters
Whether someone chooses to talk often depends on who they’re with, how safe they feel, and what response they expect.
People might naturally assess:
- Who am I talking to?
- How vulnerable do I feel right now?
- What kind of reaction am I likely to get?
One common theme was that sometimes work might be a place to stay “strong”, while support comes from friends, family or a therapist – although work can also be a source of mental health support.
Sometimes people prefer to share a small version of the truth rather than the whole story. Sometimes even kindness can feel overwhelming.
A key message from our discussion was the importance of choice and control – including the choice not to talk.
Being able to decide how much you want to share, or what kind of response you need, can make a big difference.
Trying to “fix” things can shut conversations down
Most people want to help. But jumping straight into advice or solutions can sometimes make things harder.
It can make people feel pressured to “get better” quickly, or leave them feeling misunderstood.
What we noticed often helps more is:
- being listened to
- feeling believed
- knowing someone is there if you need them
Usually, once people feel understood, they’re more open to practical suggestions or advice.
One simple idea that came from the discussion was about being upfront with whoever you’re speaking with. Let them know what you need:
- “I just need you to listen.”
- “I’m not looking for advice right now.”
Labels and assumptions can be barriers
We also reflected on how unhelpful it can be when people are reduced to diagnoses, or when past struggles are brought up unnecessarily.
Making assumptions about someone’s abilities can also make things worse. For example, assuming that because someone has felt anxious before, they can’t take on more responsibility.
When someone decides who you are or what you’re capable of, as if it’s fixed, it can feel hurtful and frustrating. This can be harder if it comes from someone more senior, or someone you don’t feel able to challenge.
Letting people lead their own story, without attaching our own narratives to it, really matters.
It’s okay not to know what to say
We acknowledged that many people mean well, but don’t feel confident when someone opens up to them.
In those moments, honesty can go a long way. Saying something as simple as, “I don’t really know the right thing to say, but I care and I’m here to listen”, can feel far more supportive than becoming distant or overly formal.
Listening, showing empathy, and signposting to support when needed are all meaningful ways to help, without needing to have all the answers.
Talking isn’t always the answer – practical support matters too
We also talked about how distress can affect someone’s ability to think clearly or manage everyday tasks.
Sometimes what helps most isn’t a deep conversation, but practical support – helping with small tasks, thinking through next steps, or reducing immediate pressures. That kind of care can be just as important.
Preparing yourself for difficult conversations
We also talked about how conversations about mental health can feel intimidating – especially if you’re worried about becoming upset.
We reflected on how it can help to prepare. That might mean:
- taking a few minutes to breathe or ground yourself (doing something that helps you feel steady or strong)
- thinking through what you want to say
- reminding yourself what kind of response you’re hoping for
It’s also okay to pause if you become overwhelmed. Saying, “I just need a moment” is a healthy boundary.
Openness doesn’t have to be spontaneous. Preparing yourself can make conversations feel safer and more manageable.
Being thoughtful about how much you share
Our team acknowledged that sharing openly with someone can feel powerful and connecting. Being seen and understood can be deeply healing.
But sometimes people notice a pattern of leaving conversations feeling exposed or regretful – particularly if the sharing feels one-sided, or trust hasn’t had time to build.
There’s nothing wrong with deep connection. But we reflected that it can help to consider:
- Does the relationship feels balanced?
- Has trust developed over time?
- Does this feel like a safe space to share your story?
Choosing who you open up to – and how much – can be part of protecting your wellbeing.
A final thought
It’s not just about encouraging people to speak.
It’s about creating environments where people feel safe, respected, and in control of their own story.
And that starts with listening.
Want practical guidance or support?
If you’re thinking about starting a conversation, or supporting someone who has opened up to you, you might find these MindWell pages helpful:
Mind also has information and training you may find useful:
- Conversations in the Community training
- How can I help someone else seek help?
- Opening up about your mental health
Leeds Recovery College offers free courses on boundary setting, assertiveness and self-compassion.
You could also build confidence through workplace mental health awareness or mental health first aid training.
If you’re looking for support for yourself, try our Finding support in Leeds page, which brings together key ways to get help.
Time to Talk Day took place on 5 February 2026, but we believe these conversations matter every day – not just once a year.
Last updated: February 2026