Time to Talk: Mental Health

Time to Talk: Why it’s Important

Time to Talk is a campaign to encourage talking about your mental health, which affects One in four of us in our lifetime. It can emerge from various situations, which is why there is encouragement for more open mental health discussion. These can include prolonged stress from problems at home and/or work, traumatic events, or even hereditary conditions. Time to Talk Day takes place on the 1st February every year, but it’s important to talk about mental health on the other 364 days too!

Academic pressures can also impact mental health in students, as depicted in this video by animation artist Chara Bui.

If you’re struggling during your studies, you can seek advice from university support services, or your Students’ Union. If these resources can’t mitigate your difficulties, or you are not a student, there are alternative services that can.

Who Can Help?

MIND is a mental health charity based across the UK, who endeavour to empower people with advice and support. They also campaign for awareness and improved mental health services; an example can be found below.

You can search for your local MIND here.

There are also other causes to visit for information or advice involving mental health, which are:

• Mental Health Foundation
• Samaritans 24/7 hotline 116 123
• Mental Health UK
• Mental Health Care UK

Computer Games and Mental Health

The topic is also visible in the design of a select range of games such as Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, and Depression Quest. Whether you play games often, or the occasional smartphone app, playing games can provide a form of escapism. They also provide opportunities to see things from another’s perspective, so it’s a good way to promote mental health. Upcoming titles such as Anamorphine ensure continued mental health discussion through games, you can find more information in this video.

Celebrities and Mental Health

Celebrities such as Cara Delevingne, Chris Evans, and Carrie Fisher have also opened up about their mental health through interviews.

Cara Delevingne, a fashion model and actress, was interviewed on This Morning recently about a book she has released, that informs readers of her struggles with mental health since her teens. Due to her background, she hopes to inspire younger audiences to hold hope for their futures, and not let their mental health constrain them from following their dreams or ambitions; you can watch the discussion below.

Chris Evans, an actor commonly known as Marvel’s former Captain America and other iconic roles, spoke out about his experience with anxiety and depression during an interview. It’s a positive experience to see a man of his reputation open up about this topic. Since acting careers tend to depict what the camera crew and director want the viewers to see: their creative vision, prioritising over reality. You can watch the interview below.

Carrie Fisher was an actress and a mental health advocate for most of her life, despite unfortunately passing away in 2016 aged 60, due to a heart attack, she continues to inspire people to talk about their mental health, and gradually reduced the stigma around conditions such as Bipolar Disorder. Further information about Bipolar Disorder can be found in this Mind article.

Regardless of an individual’s background, anyone can become a one in four, which is why talking about mental health is crucial to reducing the stigma around it and creating a more inclusive society in the process.