Swans support World Mental Health Day

5th October
Club

To support World Mental Health Day, Time to Change Wales will be in attendance at Swansea City’s game against Ipswich Town on Saturday.

Time to Change Wales are aiming to raise awareness around mental health, with representatives coming to the Liberty Stadium to provide information leaflets and advice.

Time to Change Wales is the first national campaign focused on reducing stigma and discrimination faced by people with mental health problems in Wales. Time to Change Wales is led by two leading mental health charities, Hafal and Mind Cymru.

Although mental health problems are very common, they can still be a taboo subject. People who experience mental health illnesses can face stigma and discrimination in the workplace, socially and within families.

What is mental health?

We all have mental health, like we all have physical health. Both change throughout our lives. And, like our bodies, our minds can become unwell. Our mental health affects the way we think and feel about ourselves and others and how we deal with life.

Mental health problems might actually be more common than you think. One in four of us will be affected by mental illness in any year.

The stigma around mental health

Talking openly with friends can be an important part of life, yet having a conversation about mental health seems to be a step too far for some of us. Many people find it hard to disclose that they‘re not coping and those that they open up to often find it hard to talk about mental health because they are often concerned about how to provide the right support to friends, family or work colleagues who experience mental health problems.

Being able to talk about it openly can take the taboo out of something that affects us all.

Talk about mental health

A few small words can make a big difference. Don’t be afraid to talk about mental health!

Talk, but listen too: simply being there will mean a lot.

Keep in touch: meet up, phone, email or text.

Don’t just talk about mental health: chat about everyday things as well.

Remind them you care: small things can make a big difference.

Be patient: ups and downs can happen.

Visit timetochangewales.org.uk for more tips on how to talk to someone about their mental health.