Talking about 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 you.

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 than a workplace and will help things feel more relaxed. Try and find somewhere free of interruptions and distractions if possible. 

It can be difficult to know how to start a conversation on mental health, but there are some tips you can use to help. ^{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 want to 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 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 question that need a yes or no answer. Instead, ask open questions to 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]} Feeling ashamed or fearful of being judged can put people off talking about their feelings, so it’s important to show empathy

Some symptoms of poor mental health are more common than others. With 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, low self-esteem – are all signs someone might be finding things difficult. You could try comparing any symptoms you think they are displaying to their usual behaviour. ^{Footnote [5]}  

Eating a balanced diet, being active and spending time outdoors can all help you feel good. It doesn’t have to be about going to a gym or taking fitness classes – simply going for a brisk walk at lunchtime can help you feel refreshed. Exercise helps us to feel better, physically and mentally.

When someone’s not feeling themselves, exercising or even going for a walk can feel like the last thing they want to do. It might help to suggest doing it together. They might feel better about it if they’re doing it with someone else. 

It’s also important to try to get enough sleep, too. According to research we carried out in 2024, a lack of sleep affect everything – your mood, your body and even your social life. If you’re not sleeping due to poor mental health, if can feel like you’re in a vicious cycle. It’s worth talking to your GP if you need help with sleeping and your mental health.

Practicing mindfulness is a way to help you stay in the present moment instead of worrying about the past or future. It’s about being aware of what’s happening right now without judging them. It could be as simple as appreciating the coldness of a drink or the texture of an item of clothing. If you’re worrying, feeling stressed or anxious, being mindful can sometimes help you feel calmer and gain a better perspective on things. 

Spending time in nature is a great way to practice mindfulness. For some ideas for activities to try to combat feeling stressed or overwhelmed, read our article about mindfulness in nature.

If you or someone you’re close to needs help with mental health, there are lots of routes available, from talking to someone to therapies like CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy). Our health insurance could provide the support needed to get back to feeling at your 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 towards mental health treatment 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.