Time To Talk Day

Time To Talk Day History

Time To Talk Day is aimed at combating stigma surrounding mental health issues and encouraging open conversations about mental wellbeing. Spearheaded by the UK-based mental health organisation Time to Change, the campaign promotes the importance of dialogue to break down barriers, improve relationships, and aid recovery. Time To Talk Day highlights the positive impact that simply talking can have on an individual's mental wellbeing.

Time To Talk Day came into existence in 2014 as an initiative of Time to Change, which is a collaborative project of leading mental health charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness. The campaign seeks to address the pressing issue of mental health stigma in the United Kingdom, where approximately one in four people experiences a mental health problem each year. Time To Talk Day has gained significant traction in recent years, with a growing number of organisations, workplaces, schools, and local communities actively participating in the campaign and prioritising mental health discussions.

Various events and activities are organised across the UK on Time To Talk Day, providing people with different ways to engage in mental health conversations. These can include coffee mornings, panel discussions, storytelling sessions, workplace activities, and sharing personal experiences on social media using the hashtag #TimeToTalk. Time To Talk Day typically takes place on the first Thursday of February each year.

Time To Talk Day Facts

• According to NHS Digital in 2023, 20% of eight to 16-year-olds had a probable mental disorder. Among 17 to 19-year-olds, the probability was 23%.
• According to Champion Health, in 2023, the most common type of mental disorder is Anxiety disorder, with over 8 million people experiencing symptoms.
• In 2023, About 6 in 100 people were diagnosed with anxiety disorder in the UK.
• Mental health issues contribute to a significant loss in productivity in the workplace, with the World Health Organization estimating that depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy USD 1 trillion per year in lost productivity.
• Mental health problems can occur in people of all ages, from all walks of life, and in all cultures, regardless of socioeconomic status, race, or gender.
• According to the World Health Organization, one in four people around the world will be affected by a mental disorder at some point in their lives.

In the News and Trending for Time To Talk Day

Time To Talk Day Top Events and Things to Do

• Time to Talk Day is all about starting conversations on mental health. Take this opportunity to talk to your friends and family about their mental wellbeing.
• Places like Mind or Rethink Mental Illness often hold events and activities on Time to Talk Day. You can visit these places to learn more.
• If your workplace is hosting an event, get involved. This might include 'tea and talk' sessions or mental health first aid training.
• Read Madness Explained: Psychosis and Human Nature by Richard P. Bentall.
• One simple way people can celebrate is by participating in the conversation online, sharing their own experiences with mental health, or showing solidarity with others.