Last week, we celebrated Friendship Day, and just thinking about the great times we’ve had with our friends can make us smile. We often feel our best with our closest buddies, comfortable being ourselves even in tough moments. But have you ever really talked about your hardest struggles?

Talking about mental health can feel awkward, especially if you’re not used to it. But with mental health challenges becoming more common, it’s more important than ever to break the stigma and start making these conversations a normal part of our friendships.

Why It’s Important to Talk About Mental Health

Mental health affects everyone, whether we realise it or not. Just like physical health, our mental well-being can have ups and downs. Yet, there’s still a stigma attached to discussing mental health openly. This stigma can prevent people from seeking help or even just opening up to a friend when they’re struggling.

When we normalise talking about mental health in our friendships, we create a safe space where our friends feel comfortable sharing their feelings without fear of judgment. This can make a huge difference in someone’s life, helping them feel less alone and more supported.

How to Start the Conversation

Starting a conversation about mental health with a friend doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are some simple ways to bring it up:

  • Ask Open-Ended Questions: Instead of just asking, “How are you?” try something like, “How have you been feeling lately?” or “Is there anything on your mind?”
  • Share Your Own Experience: If you’re comfortable, share a bit about your own mental health journey or worries. This can make your friend feel more at ease to open up and it will give them some assurance that you will understand them.
  • Be a Good Listener: Sometimes, all a friend needs is someone to listen to. Be there to listen without interrupting or trying to “fix” their problems.

How to Support a Friend in Need

If a friend opens up to you about their mental health, it’s important to respond with empathy and understanding. Here’s how you can support them:

  • Be Non-Judgmental: Avoid making judgments or assumptions about what they’re going through.
  • Offer Practical Help: Sometimes, offering to do something practical, like helping them find a therapist or just spending time together, can make a big difference.
  • Check In Regularly: Keep checking in with your friend to see how they’re doing. This shows that you care and are there for them.

The Benefits of Normalising Mental Health Conversations

When mental health conversations become a normal part of friendships, everyone benefits:

  1. Reduced Stigma: The more we talk about mental health, the less stigma there is. This encourages more people to seek help when they need it.
  2. Stronger Friendships: Being open about mental health can deepen your connections with friends, creating a bond built on trust and understanding.
  3. Better Support: Friends who talk openly about mental health are better equipped to support each other during tough times.

Breaking the stigma around mental health is something we can all contribute to, starting with our friendships.

By normalising these conversations, we can create a more supportive and understanding environment where everyone feels safe to share their struggles. Remember, it’s okay to talk about mental health—it’s a vital part of our overall well-being, and it’s something we should be able to discuss openly with the people we care about most.