However, at SASH we know that talking about our struggles can sometimes feel like the hardest thing to do.
In honour of ‘Time to Talk’ Day 2025, we’ve put together a guide of different ways to approach talking about your mental health struggles (and achievements) with a range of different people including loved ones, and professionals.
Talking about Mental Health with your GP:
Your GP or Talking Therapy Provider is trained with proper skills and experience to support you with a wide range of tools, but the most important part is talking, trusting, and generating a positive relationship between you to improve your Mental Health. At the start you may feel a bit odd speaking with an unknow person about your struggles or worries, but remember they are there to help you and make you feel better. If you don't feel comfortable remember you always have the option of requesting a change of professional.
Talking about Mental Health in the workplace:
The ideal scenario at work is having a Wellbeing Officer, someone you can share your thoughts and experiences with. If this position doesn’t exist at your workplace, someone you trust and feel comfortable to share your feelings with is also a good option. Check for any culturally specific networks/officers e.g. ‘LGBTQ+’ or ‘Black Women’s’ etc. if you feel this relatability may help with opening up. The general idea of sharing about your mental health at work is to feel supported and in a safe, supportive environment that can adapt to your needs so you can continue producing quality work, comfortably. Eventually, you can use this guidance to move to a more appropriate mental health service if you need to.
Talking about Mental Health with Friends:
One of the benefits of London being a multicultural city is that we can create friendships with people from different cultures. These different cultures come with their own traditions and practices that should be respected and celebrated. Specific traditions could be a difficult time for some people, for instance, someone may not be excited for Ramadan as they are unable to fast for mental health reasons. They actually may not feel comfortable speaking to people in their community, but may be more comfortable speaking to a friend who does not participate in the practice. It can be helpful to be a listening ear and make time to talk. It is important to allow your friends space to talk about their individual experiences and how this can impact mental health recovery.
Talking about Mental Health with Family:
Sometimes it might be hard to talk about mental health with family, for lots of different reasons.
You can navigate this by:
- Appealing to their values: Frame mental health as essential for fulfilling not only personal goals, but also cultural/familial responsibilities.
- Using physical health as an example: Compare mental health to physical health (e.g., a broken leg) to illustrate its impact on well-being and productivity.
- Offer solutions: Share specific ways they can support you, like being patient when you tell them you’re struggling, without needing them to fully understand.
- Have a mediator present: If appropriate, involve a trusted, neutral third party to help facilitate the conversation and bridge understanding.
- Make it a safe space for them also: Gently ask if they’ve faced similar struggles, fostering mutual understanding and openness. Reassure them that seeking help is a sign of strength and aligns with living a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Talking about Mental Health with Yourself (Self-Talk):
Self-talk is your inner voice, shaping how you view and treat yourself. It can either motivate or lower your confidence.
Negative self-talk includes being overly critical, pessimistic, or focusing only on the bad.
To challenge it:
- Shift your perspective: Reframe thoughts like “I’m not doing well” to “I’m doing my best.”
- Question its validity: Ask, “Is this true?” and consider a balanced view.
- Manage energy: Avoid burnout by prioritising self-care and decompressing.
- Voice it aloud: Share thoughts with trusted people for perspective and relief.
Remember - positive self-talk fosters optimism!
You can cultivate it by:
- Complimenting yourself: Use affirmations or accept compliments with gratitude
- Reframing negativity: Turn critical thoughts into neutral or positive ones
- Seek out positivity: Surround yourself with uplifting, energising people
Above all- openness, kindness, and a listening ear will always be invaluable when having these tough, but necessary conversations with ourselves, and others.
By practicing these strategies, you can transform talking (including self-talk) into a supportive, empowering tool to improve your mental health.
You got this!
If you require any support with practicing these tips and tools on how to get talking, whether it’s with your family, friends, workplace, professionals, or yourself- please reach out to SASH service.
SASH is a Support and Advice on Sexual Health service here to help you with your sexual wellbeing. We offer Care Coordination, Counselling, Coaching, Peer Support and Community Engagement, and are based in Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea, and Hammersmith & Fulham.