Recently, new data released from Time to Talk Day (1 February) reveals the nation is putting a ‘brave face’ on to avoid talking about mental health during difficult times. The figures
produced have raised concerns about how we express our mental health challenges as the reluctance to speak about our mental health experiences is resulting in many feeling isolated, withdrawn and with worsening mental health.
The facts and figures:
A survey conducted by Mind found that 60% of adults and 68% of young people said their mental health got worse during lockdown. However, only 23% of adults and 28% of young people said they spoke to someone about their mental health during this time. The article suggests that people are hiding behind a ‘brave face’ because they are worried about being a burden, being judged, or not being understood. Interestingly, the survey showed that 47% of people surveyed reported that the pressures of the last few years, for instance the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis, made them less likely to open up to avoid worrying others in difficult times. In relation to the cost of living crisis, the figures show that 52% of UK respondents found the cost-of-living crisis has impacted their mental health, ahead of the news cycle and world affairs (22%) and the pandemic (21%). It’s evident that a cumulation of recent events, as well as a culture of not speaking about our mental health challenges, has led to a culture of people ‘putting on a brave face’.
What the experts say:
These figures are backed up by both expert opinions and the thoughts of the general public. Wendy Halliday, See Me director, explains: ‘Since the pandemic, and through the cost of living crisis, we have consistently seen that people struggling with their mental health don’t want to burden others by speaking about how they feel. We need to challenge this stigma, so people struggling with their mental health know they are not a burden’. Furthermore, one of the survey respondents, Ridhima Bhasin, echoes these feelings: ‘Sometimes, I feel like I can’t share about my mental health – because other people are going through so much at the moment’.
How can things change?
Change isn’t always easy. Especially when trying to change the culture around mental health. One way to start is by promoting Time to Talk Day: a campaign that aims to break the stigma around mental health and to start more conversations. Additionally, Wendy Halliday perfectly encapsulates what is needed to break down this stigma ‘We need to challenge this stigma, so people struggling with their mental health know they are not a burden. If we keep problems to ourselves because we are worried about being judged, then this only makes problems worse. We deserve to get help, and not feel we have to tell people we are fine when we are not. That is why Time to Talk day continues to be such an important day, because while conversations around mental health in general might be easier, telling someone how you are feeling can still be daunting’. Here at Smart TMS, we’re committed to providing a safe, inclusive space for our patients to open up about their mental health.
Ben, Smart TMS content writer
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