These days, everyone seems to be talking about mental health and they tell you the importance of discussing mental health. However, nobody tells you how to discuss mental health.

In order to have healthy discussions around mental health, we need to first acknowledge that it is difficult to talk about mental health.

There is a certain apprehension that comes with discussing mental health – how do we talk about it? Would the other person be offended? Would it be over-stepping?

Here are a few things to keep in mind while discussing mental health that will help you have healthy discussions.

1. Be a patient listener
There is often a need we have to constantly give solutions to the problems someone has. However, the first thing to acknowledge is that perhaps the other person just wants to be heard and is not looking at you to come up with solutions. Remember that being a patient listener is doing half the job right!

 

2. Do not trivialize it
Sometimes, we relate to a problem and we feel the need to step in and say that it is not as serious as they think it is. However, the worst thing to do while discussing mental illness is to tell someone who is depressed that they are just sad or tell someone who is anxious that they just need to plan their day better.

 

3. Act with sensitivity
If a person chooses to discuss their mental illness with you, ensure that you act with sensitivity and remember that it is confidential. Do not discuss their things with everyone and take the liberty to talk about it to other people.

 

4. Don’t make assumptions
There are a bunch of preconceived notions that float around about mental health – in case you are confused, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Asking questions and being inquisitive shows that you are interested in knowing more and is also a great idea lest you make assumptions that are untrue.

 

5. Choose a good time to talk
It is very important to pick the right time to talk about mental health. You don’t want to catch your friend before a busy meeting or a family member right after a tiring day to be inquisitive about their mental health!

 

6. Don’t Blame yourself
Often, when a family member or a loved one is talking about their mental health there is a tendency to get defensive and blame ourselves for the problems they are going through. This only adds to their agony and creates very little space for healthy conversation.