Time To Talk Day 2025: Six Ways To Start Conversations About Mental Health

Talking about mental health can seem daunting, but doing so is often a step toward reducing stigma and supporting those in need. Time to Talk Day encourages open conversations that normalize discussions about mental health. Below, explore mental health tips for starting conversations about mental health and best practices for maintaining a healthy mind. 

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Time to Talk Day in February: Spreading awareness and breaking stigma

Tips for talking about mental health and mental illness

Talking about mental health can seem challenging. Vulnerability may not come easily to everybody, and it can take time to learn how to open up to others and verbalize your emotions. Below are tips for approaching conversations about mental health openly.

Self-disclose about your mental health 

Mental health professionals often use a strategy called self-disclosure to help their clients be more comfortable opening up about their own experiences. This approach can facilitate open, vulnerable dialogues even in casual conversations between peers. Consider starting a conversation by sharing an experience of your own, whether it’s an anecdote about a difficult time, a moment of growth, or a challenge you’ve overcome. 

Ask questions

Genuine curiosity can convey that you’re empathetic and willing to listen. If someone chooses to open up to you, try to respond by acknowledging their feelings or experiences and asking meaningful questions. For example, you might say, “That sounds tough. How have you been managing it?” or “I’m glad we can talk about this. Is there anything I can do to help?” Responses of this type can create an opening for further dialogue and active support.

Use current events as a segue

Current events can be a natural segue into a more personal discussion. News items, recent trends, and viral videos often involve an aspect of mental health, which can provide an opening to talk about your own experiences or feelings. This approach can make the topic seem relevant and less intimidating. When discussing mental health in the context of current events, be sure to use empathetic, nonjudgmental language that might help others be more comfortable opening up.

Discuss the stigma of mental illness

Stigmas create barriers to mental health treatment, and openly discussing these stigmas can be an effective way to challenge them. People with substance use disorders, for example, often face blame and judgment, while research shows that men are less likely to seek help due to societal expectations surrounding masculinity. On Time to Talk Day, consider starting conversations that address these harmful stigmas — this type of discourse can go a long way in creating a culture of empathy and understanding.

If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.

Talk about self-care practices

While talking about one’s struggles with mental health may be intimidating, conversations about self-care routines may be more comfortable. If the topic of mental illness seems too heavy for the moment, you might consider talking about what you do to keep your mind healthy. For instance, you could talk about how you’ve started going on daily walks, starting therapy, or minimizing screen time before bed. These lighter discussions can open the door to deeper conversations about mental health when the time is right.

Normalize talking about mental health in everyday conversations

Breaking the stigma surrounding mental health starts with making it a natural part of everyday conversations. Consider how you can incorporate mental health topics into everyday discussions, such as sharing how you manage stress, asking others how they’re doing emotionally, or telling your manager you’re taking a mental health day. These efforts can make mental health a more comfortable and approachable topic within your circles.

Mental health tips and best practices

Improving mental health often starts with simple, actionable steps. The following tips and best practices can help you build resilience, reduce stress, and support overall well-being. 

Prioritize physical health

Physical health and mental health are closely linked. Research shows that improvements in one can directly and indirectly influence the other, with physical activity playing a key role. Regular exercise, balanced meals, and adequate sleep can improve mood, reduce stress, and boost energy levels. Even quick changes, like taking short walks or drinking more water, can significantly impact overall well-being.

Practice mindful awareness

Mindfulness refers to a nonjudgmental awareness of your inner thoughts and surroundings. Cultivating mindfulness can give you more control over your emotional state and behaviors, making it an important aspect of mental well-being. You can learn mindfulness through guided meditation, deep breathing exercises, and journaling. For a more structured approach, you might consider mindfulness-based therapy like mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) or mindful cognitive behavioral therapy (M-CBT).

Spend time with friends and family in February and year-round 

Research indicates that social relationships are essential for mental well-being. Spending time with the people you care about can be an important source of emotional connection. Whether via a phone call, shared meal, or weekend outing, try to make an effort to connect with friends and family regularly. To grow your social network, consider joining a local club, volunteer group, or faith community. 

Set goals for yourself

Setting meaningful self-improvement goals can be an effective way to ensure you’re spending your time and energy on what you care about. Reflect on what matters most to you and consider ways to align your goals with your values. Whether it’s improved health, stronger relationships, or career achievement, goal-setting is important for making steady progress and maintaining balance. 

Reach out for support

If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to seek help from friends, family, or mental health professionals. Talking to someone you trust can provide relief and perspective, and heartfelt conversations can help deepen your relationships. Therapy or counseling is another consideration. Licensed therapists and counselors are trained in evidence-based approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy, which is known to be helpful for treating a wide variety of common mental health complaints.

How to support someone struggling with their mental health

If you have a friend or loved one who is struggling with mental health issues, you might be unsure how to best support them. In some cases, they may be comfortable opening up or asking for help, while in others, they may need more time and reassurance. Either way, you can help by establishing yourself as a safe person with whom they can discuss sensitive topics without judgment. 

In addition to offering your emotional support, you can offer practical help, such as assisting with cooking, cleaning, laundry, or running errands. With their consent, you might also consider helping them find professional resources like therapists or support groups. As part of their support network, encouraging them to get professional help can be especially impactful. 

The impact of mental health treatment and awareness: Key statistics to know

Despite decades of research demonstrating its effectiveness, mental health treatment remains underutilized due to stigma, lack of awareness, and barriers to access. Below are some facts and figures to keep in mind about treatment:

• Therapy success rates: One landmark study reviewing 30 years of research involving more than 2,400 patients found that about half experienced significant improvements after only eight sessions, and about 75% improved by 26 sessions. 
• Medication efficacy: One review of randomized controlled trials found that 50% of those who took an antidepressant medication noticed symptom improvements within six to eight weeks, compared to roughly 30% of those who took a placebo.
• Recovery rates: Combining therapy and medication can lead to recovery rates of up to 70% for many mental health conditions.

Maintain a healthy mind with online therapy

Whether you are seeking mental health treatment or looking to maintain your mental health, weekly therapy can be an effective tool for support and personal growth. However, if you struggle to access affordable or accessible care, you might be unsure where to find help. In these cases, online platforms like BetterHelp may be an option. 

Online therapy is known to be as effective as in-person therapy. With tools and features like guided journaling, digital therapy worksheets, and daily messaging with your therapist, you can make progress faster and maximize your time in therapy.