People lose out on mental health support from loved ones due to fear of 'awkward conversations', according to a regional survey.
New figures released on Time to Talk Day (6/2) reveal the impact of the nation’s aversion to talking about mental health.
Time to Change, the mental health anti-stigma campaign, surveyed over 4,000 UK adults; just under 1 in 3 people (31%) in the South East said they would put off speaking to a friend who is struggling with their mental health to avoid an awkward conversation.
When asked why people would put off having a conversation about mental health, the top reasons in the South East were: they feel uncomfortable, fear they may say the wrong thing and feel they don't know enough about mental health to be any help.
The survey further highlighted people’s reluctance to talk about mental health in the South East. Half said they would prefer not to tell anyone if they were struggling with their mental health – even if it would help to talk. And over a third (34%) said keeping a stiff upper lip – not talking about mental health or emotions – is still important.
Every Sunday, the MK Mental Health Hour is on MKFM. It is a safe space to discuss a variety of mental health topics including; stress, self-care, alcohol, fitness and suicide with expert advice from Arthur Ellis: Mental Health Support and guests. It is presented by Lia from the MK Breakfast Show and runs from 19:00-20:00. Find out more: https://www.mkfm.com/on-air/podcasts/mk-mental-health-hour-with-lia/
