Talking about mental health
Why is mental health important, and why should we talk about it?
Key points
- Mental health is how we feel inside, so it’s important to talk about it with someone close to you.
- You can help someone with poor mental health by giving them space to talk and listening carefully.
- If someone is struggling with their mental health, there are a few common signs to look for.
- There are lots of ways we can improve our mental health, like eating well, exercising and spending time in nature
Mental health can be a difficult topic for a lot of us to talk about. But it’s just as important as our physical health and it can help to talk about it to someone about how you’re feeling. We’ve put together this article to help explain what mental health is, as well as how to spot when someone is struggling and how to talk to them about it.
What is mental health and why is it important?
Our mental health is how we feel emotionally. It affects our thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Sometimes if we're feeling low, it can be described as 'poor mental health'. Mental health problems are pretty common, affecting around one in four people a year. Footnote [1]
If you’re experiencing poor mental health, it could mean you find it hard to think, feel and react in the way you would usually. That’s why it’s important to talk to someone about how you’re feeling. Whether you choose to speak to someone you’re close to or a professional, there’s plenty of support out there to help you get back to feeling like yourself again.
How do I talk to someone about their mental health?
If you think someone needs help with their mental health, or they want to talk to you about their wellbeing, here are some tips that could help.
Starting the conversation
It’s important to find the right setting to chat – some people will prefer to talk in a private place like their home, others will be open to meeting in public. Somewhere informal like a café will be a more comfortable environment and will help things feel less serious. Try and find somewhere free of interruptions and distractions if possible.
It can be difficult to know how to start the conversation around someone's mental health. Telling them that you're worried about them might be a helpful way to get the conversation going. It shows that you care and have time for them. Footnote [2]
Active listening
Sometimes, the most helpful thing you can do for someone struggling with their mental health is listen. Active listening is when you listen without distractions and try hard to understand what someone is telling you. It involves:
- not interrupting
- using non-verbal cues such as nodding and maintaining eye contact
- avoiding fidgeting and looking at your phone
- waiting until they’ve finished speaking before speaking yourself.
Remember, this is their time to speak. They’re looking for your support, not necessarily your advice. They might talk about subjects that are sensitive to them, so engage with what they’re saying and give your undivided attention.
Using the right words
When it’s your turn to speak, it can sometimes be difficult to know what to say. You might be afraid of saying the wrong thing, but be equally worried about avoiding the subject and coming across like you don’t care. The best thing to do is be mindful of the situation and follow your instinct.
Try not to ask too many questions, as this could feel like an interrogation. Avoid closed questions that require a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer and instead ask open ones that keep the conversation going. You might want to ask them whether they have any other support or are thinking about getting help from a professional.
Reassure them that looking for support is a good thing and you’re glad they want to talk to you. Saying things like “I appreciate this is difficult for you” can help them feel heard. It might also help to let them know that mental health problems are more common than people think. Footnote [3] People can be put off talking about their feelings because of shame or fear of judgement, so it’s important to show empathy.
How do I spot the signs of mental health challenges?
Some symptoms of poor mental health are more common than others. Across conditions like anxiety and depression, a person might not be sleeping properly, or they might feel low and be worrying more than usual. Footnote [4] They might also seem like they’re less motivated than usual or might be avoiding seeing people. Footnote [5]
Other changes in their behaviour, like eating too much or too little, or experiencing low self-esteem are all signs that someone might be finding things difficult. Any symptoms you think they have should be compared to their ‘normal’ behaviour. Footnote [5]
Can a healthy lifestyle impact mental health?
It goes without saying that being active, spending time outdoors and eating a balanced diet all help us to feel good. You don’t even necessarily need to spend money on a gym membership – going for a brisk walk at lunchtime can help you feel refreshed. Exercise helps us to feel better, physically and mentally.
It’s important to try to get enough sleep, too. According to research we carried out in 2024, a lack of sleep affects everything – our mood, our body and even our social life. If you’re not sleeping due to poor mental health, it can feel like you’re in a vicious cycle. Reach out to a GP if you need help with sleep and your mental health.
When someone’s not feeling themselves, exercising or even going for a walk can feel like that last thing they want to do. Suggest going on a walk or taking an exercise class together. They might feel better about it if they’re doing it with someone else.
What is mindfulness?
Another way to live a healthier lifestyle is practicing mindfulness, which is when we try to stay in the present moment. If you’re worrying, feeling stressed or anxious, being mindful can sometimes help you to feel calmer and gain a better perspective on things.
Spending time in nature is a great way to practice mindfulness. Read our article about mindfulness in nature for some activities to try to combat feeling stressed or overwhelmed.
What treatments are available for mental health?
If you or someone you’re close to needs help with their mental health, there’s lots of routes you can take. Our health insurance could provide the support needed to get back to their best.
We cover common conditions like anxiety, depression and OCD. All you need is a GP referral, and you could claim up to £2,000 each year. This covers out-patient treatment or referral to a psychiatric therapist or specialist. All our health insurance customers have access to our Stress Counselling helpline too, where you can talk to trained counsellors at no extra cost.
When it comes to mental health, we’ve got you covered.
Related articles
