New data released today – Time to Talk Day – has revealed that a significant number of people in Northern Ireland are reluctant to discuss mental health for fear of encountering uncomfortable situations.
According to a poll of 1,000 adults, conducted by Censuswide, 38% of respondents are reluctant to have what they perceive to be awkward conversations about their own mental health. Almost a quarter (26%) consider open talk of mental health to be a sign of weakness and, of these respondents, 34% believe others might think that they are being dramatic.
The study also highlights the extent to which bottling things up is causing people to feel isolated. Just over three in 10 (31%) said they have pushed away friends and family and a similar number (30%) confirmed that they have stopped socialising. Tellingly, 29% of those polled said that remaining quiet about their mental health has actually made their symptoms worse.
Inspire leads on delivering UK-wide Time to Talk Day campaign in Northern Ireland and, as ever, our aim is to spur vital, supportive conversations in communities, schools, homes, workplaces and online spaces.
Kerry Anthony MBE, CEO of Inspire, said: “We have come so far in our public conversations about mental health and this research shows we need to keep on talking or risk rolling back to the times when these important conversations simply didn’t happen. There can be no doubt that having someone to talk to about your mental health is important. Time To Talk Day is a perfect way for all of us to recommit to an open and supportive society where everyone is free to ask, listen and talk.”
There are loads of ways to get involved in Time to Talk Day. For ideas and info, just click here.