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Time to talk, time to change - Putting an end to mental health discrimination
Fri 31 Jan 2020
Choose talk, Change lives
We know that talking about mental health can feel awkward, but it doesn't have to. Mental health problems affect one in four of us, yet many people can feel isolated, ashamed and worthless because of this. Time to Talk Day encourages everyone to be more open about mental health – to talk, to listen, to change lives.
That’s why it’s so important that Time To Talk Day on 6th February 2020 gives people the opportunity to talk about mental health and how it can affect anyone, of any age, gender or background. Time to Talk day isn’t just about helping others, its also important to understand and recognise your own wellbeing
Looking after your own mental health
- Keep active – exercise helps both your physical and mental health, this can just be a regular walk
- Eat Well – what you eat and your mood can be connected, so think carefully about what you are eating
- Ask for help – sometimes you need help from others, so don’t be afraid to ask for this help
- Take a break – make sure you have regular time to relax and re-charge
- Do something you’re good at – doing something you enjoy and you are good at can give you the ‘feel good’ boost that everyone needs
Top Tips to Support Others
- Check in – ask others how they are feeling
- Listen and don’t judge – its great that people are happy to talk to you about how they are feeling, so ensure you really listen to them
- Treat them in the same way – don’t change the way you act towards someone once you are aware of their poor mental health
- Don’t forget little gestures can have a big impact – this may just be making them a cup of tea or inviting them out for lunch
- Ask twice – asking someone twice how they are feeling will give them the opportunity to be honest
Financial problems is one of the biggest worries that can negatively affect your mental health. According to Money and Mental Health Policy Institute over 420,000 people in problem debt consider taking their own life in England every year, while more than 100,000 people in debt actually attempt suicide annually*.
It’s important to start talking about money worries before your situation gets worse. Talking about money will give you the confidence to get help and find out who can best advise you on any problems. It can give you a great sense of relief to share your problems, so you’re not facing them alone. If you don’t feel ready to talk to someone, write down what you are going through and share it with somebody you can trust. It’s important to seek professional advice as soon as possible and not wait until it’s more difficult to find a solution.
Police Mutual are here to help. We want to break down the stigma surrounding debt and get people talking about money.
We’ve teamed up with PayPlan, one of the UK’s leading free debt advice providers, who offer free and confidential advice to anyone in serious financial difficulties.
They’re able to advise you on a range of debt solutions suited to your individual circumstances, helping to protect you and your family with a sustainable way to manage your debt.
Get free and confidential help to combat your debt, call PayPlan on 0800 197 8433. If you don’t want to talk on the phone contact them using their online form. www.payplan.com
Police Mutual Products & Services
Police Mutual offer a range of wellbeing support services, for more details check out the For You pages on our website.
The Care Line Service provided by Health Assured can offer advice and information at the end of a phone, helping with a range of concerns including emotional support. To talk to someone please call 0800 028 1708 or take a look at the e-portal –
Health & Wellbeing e-portal
https://healthassuredeap.co.uk/
Username: policemutual
Password: careline
Police Mutual Assurance Society Limited, trading as Police Mutual, is an incorporated friendly society. Registered office: Alexandra House, Queen Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 6QS. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
Type of article: Articles
Category: Wellbeing
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