Mental Health Blog

Talking openly and honestly about mental health can feel like a small action, but it has the power to make a big difference. When we share how we’re feeling—or create space for someone else to talk—we help normalise conversations that many people still find difficult. Openness reduces stigma, builds understanding, and helps people feel comfortable enough to seek support when they need it. Sometimes that very first conversation can be the moment someone realises they’re not alone. That’s what Time to Talk Day is all about. It’s the nation’s biggest mental health conversation and a reminder that talking about how we feel doesn’t need to be formal, perfect, or serious every second. It can happen over a cup of tea, during a walk, on a lunch break, or in a group chat. What matters most is the connection—not the setting. On Time to Talk Day, friends, families, communities, and workplaces come together to talk, listen, and strengthen understanding. It’s a day that encourages us to check in on the people around us, but also to check in with ourselves. These conversations can build trust, encourage confidence, and help create environments where people feel supported every day—not just once a year. Listening plays a huge role too. Sometimes the most helpful thing we can do is offer our full attention without trying to fix anything. A calm, open conversation can give someone the space they need to express what’s been on their mind. If you’re not sure how to start the conversation, that’s completely normal. A simple “How are things going for you lately?” or “I’m here if you’d like to talk” can be enough. Small moments of honesty can lead to big changes. For more information, ideas, and helpful resources, visit timetotalkday.co.uk. Let’s use #TimeToTalkDay as a reminder that talking about mental health is something we can all do—and that a single conversation can truly help change a life.

Sometimes we imagine self-care as something that needs a whole hour, a quiet room, or a perfectly planned routine. But the reality is that life rarely pauses long enough for that. That’s why “self-care snacks” can be such a helpful approach—short, gentle moments that allow you to reset, release tension, and support your mental wellbeing even on the busiest days. As a new month begins, it’s a great time to start by simply noticing your body a little more. Our bodies often hold onto tension we don’t even realise is there. Taking just five minutes to check in can make a surprising difference. Find a comfortable spot to sit, take a steady breath in, and a slow breath out. At first you might think you’re already relaxed—and if you are, wonderful—but many of us carry small pockets of tightness without noticing. Ask yourself: 🤔 Are my toes clenched? 🤔 Is my jaw tight or my teeth pressed together? 🤔 Is my forehead scrunching without me realising it? These tiny tensions might not seem important, but they can add up. Once you become aware of them, you can release them—soften your toes, ease your jaw, smooth your forehead. With every small release, your body sends a gentle signal to your mind that things are safe, steady, and calm. A self-care snack might be two minutes of stretching, a quiet sip of your drink, a short walk to another room, or a moment of mindful breathing. These breaks don’t have to be fancy or time-consuming; they simply need to be intentional. A few minutes sprinkled throughout the day can help you refocus, relieve stress, and feel more grounded. So if an hour of self-care isn’t possible, don’t worry. These little pauses—tiny acts of kindness toward yourself—can bring balance and clarity in a way that fits smoothly into everyday life.

Being a parent is one of those roles that doesn’t come with an “off” switch. Even when you’re heading into work, attending meetings, or trying to focus on the task in front of you, a part of your mind is still holding space for everything happening at home. Whether it’s a child who’s going through a challenging phase, a worry from the morning rush, or simply the continuous mental list parents carry, it all travels with you. And when life gets busy, that mental load can make it harder to concentrate, stay organised, or feel fully present in the moment. Parent Mental Health Day (PMHD), held each year on 30th January, is a gentle reminder of just how important it is to acknowledge this reality. It highlights the vital link between the wellbeing of parents and carers and the wellbeing of the whole family. When the adults who support children feel understood, supported, and mentally well, the entire household benefits. A calmer parent can help create a calmer environment; a supported parent can support more effectively. The aim of PMHD isn’t to add pressure or suggest that parents should be doing more—it’s quite the opposite. It’s about recognising that parents and carers already carry a huge emotional and practical responsibility. It’s about understanding that mental health is shaped by many factors, including stress, sleep, connection, nutrition and access to support. And it’s about encouraging conversations that help parents feel less alone with the weight they’re carrying. What makes this day so valuable is its focus on awareness and compassion. Parenting involves making countless decisions, managing expectations, and navigating unexpected challenges, all while trying to maintain balance. Even on the best days, it can feel like spinning plates. On the tougher days, it can feel overwhelming. PMHD encourages us to pause and acknowledge that these feelings are valid. It also reminds workplaces, friends, and communities that supporting parents doesn’t always require grand gestures. Sometimes it’s offering flexibility, checking in, or simply understanding that someone may not be at their sharpest when things are difficult at home. Most importantly, Parent Mental Health Day opens the door to conversations about seeking support without judgement. No one benefits from parents pushing through in silence. When parents take care of their mental health—whether through rest, connection, reflection, or professional help—it strengthens the entire family’s wellbeing. So on 30th January, and every day, let’s remind parents and carers that their mental health matters too.

Recovery is often talked about as “getting back to how things were,” but in reality, it’s usually something far more personal, gentle, and individual. Rather than aiming to return to a previous version of ourselves, recovery can be seen as moving forward—learning, adapting, and finding new ways to live well. It’s a journey that doesn’t look the same for any two people and might often have frustrating set backs but that's part of the recovery. There is always hope for recovery, even when progress feels slow or uncertain. Hope isn’t about pretending everything is perfect; it’s about recognising that change is possible and that support is available. It’s about taking one step at a time, even if those steps are small. Every moment of reflection, rest, or effort counts. When we remind ourselves that recovery doesn’t follow a straight line, we create more space to acknowledge the ups and downs with compassion rather than pressure. One of the most important things to remember is that each person’s experience is unique. Some may move through their recovery quickly, while others take more time, pause, or change direction. This isn’t a sign of success or failure—it’s simply the natural variation in how people navigate their own wellbeing. Offering each other understanding as we travel our individual paths is a simple kindness that can make a real difference. A listening ear, a thoughtful message, or simply being patient with one another helps build a sense of connection and safety. We can all get better at offering that understanding when we learn more about mental health. Education encourages empathy. It helps us listen without judgement and respond with calmness and clarity. The more we understand, the more confidently we can support ourselves and others when things feel challenging. Recovery isn’t about turning back the clock. It’s about moving forward with hope, curiosity, and compassion—for ourselves and for the people around us. When we recognise that every journey is unique, we create space for everyone to heal in their own way and their own time. Whatever your journey may look like, know that you are not alone.

Saying “thank you” might seem like a small gesture, but when it comes to supporting mental health and building strong connections, it can have a surprisingly big impact. In a world where everyone is juggling responsibilities, pressures, and quiet challenges that often go unseen, taking a moment to recognise someone’s effort can create a real sense of belonging and value. When we acknowledge what someone has done—whether it’s a colleague who helped with a task, a friend who checked in, or a family member who held things together—we’re not just noticing an action. We’re noticing them. Feeling seen and appreciated can boost confidence, increase motivation, and gently remind people that what they do matters. This can be especially meaningful for individuals who may be experiencing stress or low mood, as positive connection helps strengthen emotional resilience. Recognition also builds stronger relationships. A simple “thank you” encourages kindness to flow both ways, creating a supportive environment where people feel comfortable communicating openly. It helps create a culture of trust rather than pressure, collaboration rather than isolation. Most importantly, expressing gratitude keeps us grounded in the present. It encourages us to slow down, look around, and appreciate the people who make our daily lives a little easier, brighter, or calmer. So next time someone does something helpful—big or small—say thank you. Not because you have to, but because those two words can make a difference to someone’s day, someone’s wellbeing, and the connection you share. Kindness doesn’t need to be grand; it just needs to be genuine.

I really want to give a shout out to this amazing organisation and their event: Brew Monday is Samaritans’ warm reminder that any day is a good day to connect with someone you care about. Instead of focusing on the idea of “Blue Monday,” Samaritans turns the third Monday in January into a celebration of connection—encouraging everyone to put the kettle on, share a cuppa, and have a real conversation. The message is simple: small talk can become meaningful talk, and a relaxed chat can make a genuine difference. Human connection doesn’t need to be complicated or dramatic—it can start with a mug, a moment, and a little time set aside to listen. Samaritans encourages us to reach out, especially if someone has been quieter than usual or hasn’t checked in for a while. A short message or an invitation for a catch-up can help someone feel valued and supported. Their downloadable Brew Monday resources make it easy for anyone to get involved and start conversations that matter. I want to help promote this brilliant organisation because they continue to highlight the power of listening, compassion, and everyday connection. Brew Monday is a lovely reminder that reaching out can happen any time, any day, and over any drink—as long as we’re talking, listening, and showing we care.

Mental Health First Aid’s a toolkit, you see, For noticing signs like worry or low energy. It’s learning to listen with patience and care, And saying, “I’m here—let’s talk if you’d like to share.” It’s knowing the steps to guide someone through, When they’re feeling unsure of what they should do. It’s offering comfort, calm, and support, Not giving diagnoses or a clinical report. It’s not mind-reading, fortune-telling, or vibes, Or handing out labels or professional advice. It’s not fixing everything with one magic line, Or saying, “Cheer up—everything’s fine!” It’s not superhero training with capes in a kit, Or learning to “solve” life in ten minutes flat. It’s not becoming a therapist overnight— Just knowing how to help when things feel tight. But it is about kindness, steady and real, Creating connection through how we listen and feel. It’s a bridge, not a cure; a nudge, not a shove— A reminder that support starts with language and love. So MHFA is simple, practical art: Helping someone take the next step to restart. Not dramatic, not fancy, but human and true— A little bit of knowledge that anyone can do.

Using language that is appropriate to mental health is more than just choosing the “right” words—it’s about creating a culture where people feel understood, respected, and safe. When we talk about mental health using clear, factual, and neutral language, we help reduce stigma and make it easier for people to seek support without fear of judgement. Certain phrases have historically been used without much thought, but they can unintentionally reinforce negative ideas. For example, describing someone as “crazy” or saying a person “committed” suicide reflects outdated views and can imply blame or wrongdoing. Similarly, referring to an individual as “suffering from” a condition can suggest that their identity is defined by distress, even when they may be managing their mental health in a stable or empowered way. Using respectful alternatives helps shift the focus to the person, not the condition. Phrases like “a person living with bipolar disorder” or “a person who died by suicide” are more accurate and compassionate without being emotional or sensational. Language also plays a powerful role in how we think about ourselves. When we use neutral, person-centred terms, we help normalise mental health experiences as part of human life. This encourages more open conversations and reduces the sense of isolation many people feel. It also helps professionals, friends, and communities communicate more effectively and respond with understanding. Most importantly, thoughtful language can make a real difference in someone’s willingness to reach out. When people hear others speaking in a respectful and informed way, it sends the message that their experiences are valid and that seeking help is welcomed—not judged. By choosing accurate, non-emotive words, we contribute to a healthier, more inclusive environment where mental health is treated with the same care and clarity as physical health. It’s a small change with a meaningful impact.

Christmas can be especially tough when you’re feeling sad, overwhelmed, or anxious — and truly, that’s completely okay. You don’t have to switch on joy just because the world feels festive today. Your feelings are valid, and you’re allowed to move through this day gently, at your own pace. Let today become whatever you need it to be. Traditions aren’t set in stone, and plans can shift without guilt. If your body or heart is asking for stillness, listen to it. Curl up in a cosy nook, wrap yourself in a blanket, nap as long as you need, or simply sit quietly with a warm drink. Rest isn’t a sign that you’re missing out — it’s a sign that you’re caring for yourself. And if you find comfort in company or activity, that’s okay too. You can let the movement and noise of others flow around you without any pressure to match their energy. There’s no “right” way to spend this day. What matters is honoring your own rhythm. Your path through Christmas doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s, and it certainly doesn’t need to be perfect. From my heart to yours, wishing you a peaceful, gentle, and truly Merry Christmas 🎄