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Time To Talk Day: How to Talk to Someone about their Mental Health

Time to Talk Day, held on 5th February, is the biggest annual mental health conversation encouraging people to come together to talk, listen and change lives. Despite progress in raising awareness and reducing stigma, a third of people in the UK (34%) say they would prefer to not talk about their mental health rather than risk an awkward interaction.[i]
 

Our recent survey found that 70% of UK adults[ii] spend less than an hour communicating with friends and family each day leaving little opportunity to open up to loved ones on a deeper level. Men in particular tend to keep things to themselves, with 40% having never discussed their mental health with anyone.[iii] Yet, studies have shown that talking about personal struggles can reduce stress as well as physical and emotional distress.[iv] As the saying goes, a problem shared is a problem halved.
 

We all have different ways that we talk about our mental health, and whilst approaching conversations may seem difficult, it is an important step to ensure loved ones get the support they need.

To encourage conversations about mental health, try these top tips:
 

  1. Make yourself available: Make sure you have time to talk without any distractions and start with a simple how are you or how are things going for you? Some people will open up straight away and others take a bit more time to feel comfortable. If you feel they’re holding back, gently encourage conversation by asking open-ended questions and let them know that you’re here to listen.

 

  1. Listen without judgement: You don’t need to have all the answers; the main thing is that you listen. To be truly supportive of someone, you need to remove all opinions and biases. Any judgement or criticism in this moment may push the person away and discourage them from talking about their problems again.

 

  1. Become a safe space: Build trust and keep what they tell you private. Acknowledge how hard it must’ve been to talk about their mental health and reassure them that they don’t have to deal with things alone. Becoming their safe place will increase the likelihood of them sharing future worries.

 

  1. Explore options together: Check what steps they’ve already taken to get help and explore additional options together. You could discuss what self-help methods could help or offer to attend a doctor’s or wellbeing appointment with them so they know that they’re not alone.
     

It’s important to acknowledge that there are limits to the help you can offer to someone struggling with their mental health. Showing up, listening and encouraging open conversations are the most important things.
 

If you or someone you know needs mental health advice or support, visit www.mind.org.uk or call their support line on 0300 102 1234.

For more information on the Kalms range, click here.
 

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[i] Mind. A third of UK prefers to keep silent about mental health rather than risk an awkward conversation.https://www.mind.org.uk/news-campaigns/news/a-third-of-uk-prefers-to-keep-silent-about-mental-health-rather-than-risk-an-awkward-conversation/. 

[ii]Small Steps to Kalmfulness Survey. A nationally representative study involving 1,000 UK adults aged 18+. Conducted by Censuswide, commissioned by Kalms Herbal Remedies. September 2025.

[iii] Priory Group. Men's mental health: 40% of men won’t talk to anyone about their mental health https://www.priorygroup.com/blog/40-of men-wont-talk-to-anyone-about-their-mental-health

[iv] Psychology Today. Why Talking About Our Problems Makes Us Feel Better. https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/your-personal renaissance/201906/why-talking-about-our-problems-makes-us-feel-better. (Accessed: January 2026).

Posted by Emily Garfield
4th February 2026

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