5 TIPS ON HOW TO START A MENTAL HEALTH CONVERSATION

I know sometimes it's quite difficult to start a mental health conversation because we'll "where do I start", "What do I say"?

No need to worry,
In this post I will be sharing  few helpful conversation starters to help break the ice around a loved ones’ mental health.

So,  in honor of World mental health day,  Here are 5 ways to start a mental health conversation :

1.  Are you okay?  

Ask the question and mean it. Show you are listening by sitting alongside the person, maintaining an open body position and maintaining comfortable eye contact.

2.  “Are you thinking about suicide?” 

Don't worry asking a person if they have been thinking about suicide will not increase the risk that they will commit suicide. So if you are concerned that someone is considering suicide, ask the question directly.

3.  “I’ve noticed that…” 

Start the conversation by explaining some behavior changes you may have noticed about them.  Example, “I’ve noticed that you’ve been showing up to work late a lot lately...” Then, express genuine concern.

4. “Do you want to take a walk?” 

Engage that family member or friend that you are concerned about in a healthy physical activity like taking a walk together can be a great way to start a conversation. Doing an activity while you talk can take some of the nerves and discomfort out of the conversation.

5. “How are you, really?” 

Sometimes when someone says they’re fine, they’re not. Know the warning signs to look out for so you can know when to offer extra support.


NOTE : 

Be prepared for whatever path these conversations take you, and be prepared to walk it with whomever you’re reaching out to.

I want everyone to feel confident to begin a conversation about mental health, sustain that conversation and direct people to the help they may need, whether that’s professional help or just a non-judgmental listening ear.

.

Comments

  1. I remember one time a friend of mine was really struggling but I didn't even know what to say or ask him to get him to at least open up.

    Thank you so much for this. Super helpful.
    Happy world mental health day

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am glad you found this helpful.
      Thank you so much for reading!!

      Delete
  2. Hello Sandra this is great info. Please how do I get it to my mail?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Mike, kindly subscribe to the blog if you aren't already.
      Thank you

      Delete
  3. Mama, well done o this is great

    ReplyDelete
  4. I thought mentioning suicide to someone, might actually give them the idea, or make them go through with it!
    Thank you

    ReplyDelete
  5. Not necessarily, if you are worried that friend may commit suicide, it is a good idea to ask plainly, that would help push the conversation further

    ReplyDelete
  6. Two full thumbs up for this magneficent article of yours. I've really enjoyed reading this article today and I think this might be one of the best article that I've read yet. Please, keep this work going on in the same quality. allthemesclub.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post. London consultant dermatologist

    ReplyDelete
  8. I’m excited to uncover this page. I need to to thank you for ones time for this particularly fantastic read!! I definitely really liked every part of it and i also have you saved to fav to look at new information in your site. testogen

    ReplyDelete
  9. MyMate英会話スクールは 香芝市英会話 , 柏原市英会話 , 八尾市英会話と関西に3か所あり地元の方に人気の英会話教室です!小学校・大手企業での指導経験あり、プロフェッショナルな外国人講師とVIPサービスの子供・大人英会話レッスンが受けられます。 英会話

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thanks for sharing this is a fantastic blog. Fantastic.mental disorder

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thank you for sharing this awesome article.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog