Time To Talk Day survey reveals 'stiff upper lip' problem over mental health in Yorkshire

New figures released on Time to Talk Day today (Feb 6) reveal the impact of the nation’s aversion to talking about mental health.

Time to Change, the mental health anti-stigma campaign, surveyed more than 4,000 adults nationwide.

A worrying 48 per cent of people surveyed in Yorkshire and the Humber said they would prefer not to tell anyone if they were struggling with their mental health – even if it would help to talk.

More than one in three people surveyed in the region said keeping a stiff upper lip - not talking about mental health or emotions - is still important.

And more than one in four people in Yorkshire and the Humber said they would put off speaking to a friend who is struggling with their mental health to avoid an awkward conversation.

When asked why people would put off having a conversation about mental health, the top reasons in Yorkshire and the Humber were: fear they would say the wrong thing, the belief that mental health is a topic best left to medical professionals and that life gets in the way.

The data suggests that an individual’s own worries and concerns could hold them back from being there for friends or loved ones.

Time to Change is urging everyone to use Time to Talk Day as an opportunity to stop avoiding or delaying important conversations that could change someone’s life.

Jo Loughran, Director of Time to Change, said: “It’s not an overstatement to say that having a conversation about mental health could change someone’s life.

"It’s vital that we don’t avoid or delay these important conversations because of our own worries.

"You don’t need to have all the answers; if someone close to you is struggling, just being there will mean a lot.

"The more we all talk about mental health, the more we can remove the fear and awkwardness.

"This Time to Talk Day we’re urging everyone to take action on one day when thousands of others will be doing the same and continue that conversation throughout the year."

The YEP launched its #SpeakYourMind campaign in 2017 in a bid to tackle stigma surrounding mental health.

One in four people experience mental health problems and talking about the issue helps to break down the stigma and discrimination that many people still face – making it easier for everyone to benefit from the support of those around them.

Time to Talk Day was established by Time to Change, the mental health anti-stigma campaign run by the charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness.

This year, the events spans the UK and Ireland as Time to Change partners with See Me Scotland, Change Your Mind Northern Ireland, Time to Change Wales and See Change in Ireland.

Join in the conversation online using the hashtag #timetotalk

Twitter.com/timetochange @timetochange

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For information and to get involved in Time to Talk Day visit: https://www.time-to-change.org.uk/get-involved/timetotalkday2019