Time to Change launched Time to Talk Day 2022 in 2014. A campaign to end mental health stigma and discrimination. This day draws attention to mental health and the importance of reaching out to others. Creating supportive communities and having conversations with family, friends, or colleagues about how we are feeling, without the fear and stigma often attached to the topic.
History of Time to Talk Day 2022
During the 1800s, people were placed in mental facilities and often forgotten by society. They rarely received the help that they actually needed. Many women were misdiagnosed for actions unrelated to mental illnesses. Either based on their gender and lack of information regarding the subject. Mental health began to be recognised and addressed when writer Nelly Bly, seeking understanding of mental health, went undercover in a mental institution, posing as a mentally ill person. She wrote about the improper treatment she experienced in a series of articles, and as a result, the institution she wrote about was reformed. It was only up until the 1930s when experts wanted to understand the reasons that drove people to insanity.
Sigmund Freud developed theories delving deeper into the psyche of those deemed as mad. He assumed the responsibility to help them rather than leaving them to be mistreated by society. However, his theories were not well received or effective at the time. Perceptions and understanding of mental health have changed a lot over the years. Experts have better knowledge of the causes and how to treat those who are suffering. However there are still many misconceptions attached top the subject the public has yet to fully reconcile with.
Statistics indicate that one in four of us experience mental health problems. Making it likely that you or someone in your life will be affected at some point. In addition to 9 in 10 people who say they have faced negative treatment from others as a result. Many feel apprehensive about opening up due to fear of judgement and keep everything bottled up.
How can you support your staff this Time To Talk Day 2022
- Encourage your employees to feel that they can be open about their mental health, and in a confidential way if that is what they choose.
- Encourage them to ask for help if they need it.
- Making efforts to make the workplace a healthier and happier environment.
- Circulating information about the support options available – this may include access to Occupational Health, an employee assistant programme, or some other form of counselling.
- Offering ‘Mental Health Days’ and/or ‘Duvet Days’.
- Having clear policies in relation to discrimination and stigma which may arise in relation to an employee with mental health issues.
- Providing training to HR and managers so that they are better equipped to support their team.
Research shows that having open conversations about mental health can change lives for the better, when people feel heard and listened to. Creating a positive workplace culture is crucial, when employees feel supported in the workplace you can often see a boost in productivity and team cohesion.
Wellity supports you and your organisation during Time to Talk Day and throughout the year! For more information on the workplace wellbeing training titles we offer around this subject. Contact the Wellity team on hello@wellityglobal.com.
