This World Mental Health Day, let’s talk, listen and support better mental health

It is a theme that reminds us of the importance of listening to people who have experienced mental health difficulties themselves.

Talking about mental health is not always easy. Some people may worry about being judged, while others may not know where to turn for support. People can also have very different experiences of mental health services and the support they receive. That is why listening is just as important as talking.

Listening to people's experiences

Lived experience can give us a better understanding of what people actually go through. It can tell us what it is like to ask for help, access services, manage mental health day to day, or support someone else. It can also help highlight where things are working well and where there are problems that need to be addressed.

At Healthwatch Barking and Dagenham, we listen to local people about their experiences of health and care. What people tell us helps us understand the issues that matter to our community and share those experiences with local services and decision makers.

Making space for conversations

You do not always need to know what to say. Sometimes simply asking someone how they are and giving them time to talk can be a good place to start. And if someone does open up, listening without judgement can be just as important as offering advice.

This World Mental Health Day, we are encouraging everyone to make a little more time for conversations about mental health – to talk when you feel able to, listen to others and think about how we can better support the people around us.

Because listening to people's experiences is an important part of understanding what needs to change. The Mental Health Foundation has created two free tip sheets with practical advice on starting conversations and listening to someone who may be struggling:https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/campaigns/world-mental-health-day

This World Mental Health Day, let’s make a little more space to talk, listen and understand each other.