Highland Council backs Time to Talk initiative – the national conversation on mental health and suicide prevention
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A new mental health awareness initiative dubbed “the nation’s biggest mental health conversation” is being backed by Highland Council.
Time to Talk Day on Thursday this week will seek to encourage friends, families, communities and workplaces to come together to talk, listen and, potentially, change lives.
Highland Council is taking part in partnership with the Highland Community Planning Partnership (HCPP), an organisation which brings together public agencies, charities and other community groups to work collaboratively to deliver better outcomes for local people.
A council spokesman said: “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 2022 offers an opportunity to reconnect with family, friends and colleagues.
“By choosing to be open about mental health, we are all helping to contribute to changing the conversation around mental health and ensuring that everyone feels supported.
“Those we know best are often the first to recognise the signs of declining mental health but may not be the person who you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts with, and that’s okay as there are many other ways to reach out for support.”
HCPP has a dedicated mental health and wellbeing delivery group which points individuals and communities towards trusted sources of support for mental health and wellbeing.
These include where to get help in a crisis; resources and web links to support mental wellbeing; and learning tools to build skills and confidence in having conversations about mental health and suicide prevention.
There is a Prevent Suicide app which allows users to complete a suicide prevention safety plan that can be completed with the help of a trained listener or with a friend or family member.
The Prevent Suicide app can be downloaded here.
It also includes telephone numbers for local and national helplines offering support in situations where people feel distressed or suicidal.
There is also guidance on what members of the public can do to help someone they suspect is feeling suicidal.
Councillor Alasdair Christie, the Highland Community Planning Partnership chairman,
said: “We fully support the time to talk day.
“We should never underestimate the ability to change lives by simply being there for others and offering your time to talk and importantly listen.
“The impact of Covid-19 and the measures placed to reduce the spread of the Covid-19 has increased isolation and loneliness for many people and contributed to a decline in people's mental health.
“It’s important people throughout Highland know where to find help and support for their own mental health and wellbeing when it is needed.
“We are optimistic that 2022 will offer us all the opportunity to talk to more people, reconnect with loved ones, meet up for a catch-up and to enjoy a hobby.”
Time to Talk Day is organised by See Me, a programme to tackle mental health stigma and discrimination.
It is funded by the Scottish Government and managed by the Scottish Association for Mental Health and The Mental Health Foundation.
Organisers have offered tips to consider when it is time to talk and listen:
Be there to offer non-judgemental 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.
More information is available here.
Those needing support in relation to suicide can also call Samaritans on 116 123 or Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87.
