It's Time to Talk in the Highlands
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Highland Council is supporting "Time to Talk Day" on Thursday, in partnership with the Highland Community Planning Partnership.
"It's the nation’s biggest mental health conversation," a spokesperson explained.
"The day to encourage friends, families, communities, and workplaces to come together to talk, listen, and maybe even change lives.
"This year the theme is to make space in your day for a conversation about mental health. We all have mental health and any of us could struggle with it, which is why talking about mental health is so important.
"We hope that 2023 offers an opportunity to reduce stigma and helps to create supportive communities where we can talk openly about mental health and feel empowered to seek help when we need it."
Those we know best are often the first to recognise the signs of declining mental health, but they may not be the person whom we feel comfortable sharing thoughts with.
"And that’s OK, as there are many other ways to reach out for support.
"Highland Community Planning Partnership has a dedicated Mental Health and Wellbeing Delivery group which signposts individuals and communities to trusted sources of support for mental health and wellbeing including where to get help in a crisis.
"It has resources and weblinks to support our mental wellbeing, and learning tools to build skills and confidence in having conversations about mental health and suicide prevention."
There is a ‘Prevent Suicide’ Highland app, which allows users to complete a ‘Prevent Suicide’ safety plan and can be completed with the help of a trained listener or with a friend or family member.
It also includes telephone numbers for local and national helplines which can offer support in some situations where people are feeling distressed or suicidal and there is guidance on what members of the public can do to help someone, they suspect is feeling suicidal.
"Conversations have the power to change lives and the aim this time is to support communities up and down the country to have more mental health conversations than ever before."
Click here to download activity packs for the workplace, your community, and for young people.
A few handy tips to consider when it's time to talk and listen:
Be there to offer non-judgmental advice and to listen.
Avoid using cliché phrases such as 'it will pass' or 'just need to occupy your time'.
Avoid arguments and confrontation.
Offer to help in any way you can.
Help out with practical things such as shopping, cleaning, looking after children, collecting medication.
Allow family/friend space and time if they need it, don't overcrowd them.
Don't show concern or fear through your body language.
Encourage them to seek professional advice when they feel ready.
Be direct and don't patronise.
Remember that mental illness doesn't solely define a person.
Do your own research and seek professional guidance, so you can offer more practical support and are better able to deal with the situation you face.
If you, or someone you know needs support in relation to suicide, you can also call Samaritans on 116 123 or Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87.
Start a conversation about mental health this Time to Talk Day.
