How to Talk About Mental Health

October 19, 2026
Clock Icon 5 min read

Conversations around mental health have undeniably improved in recent years, however many people still find it difficult to talk about their mental health. Fear and shame can cause people to stay quiet about their struggles, leading to further isolation and a lack of support. Research shows that talking about mental health has a wide range of positive benefits including reducing stigma, improving understanding and reducing feelings of isolation. This in turn can empower people to seek out support from loved ones or professional services and get the help that they need. In this article we will explore the importance of talking about mental health and offer guidance on how to approach these conversations. 

Why is Talking About Mental Health Important?

Anyone can struggle with their mental health at any time and good mental health isn’t simply never feeling sad. The world around us, personal difficulties and financial issues are just some factors that can cause feelings of stress and anxiety in anyone and everyone. However, when these feelings become overwhelming and start to impact our day-to-day lives it can be a sign that further support is needed. Talking about mental health is incredibly important as it can be the first line of support that someone receives. Whether it’s a quick check in with a work colleague or an in-depth heart-to-heart with a loved one, talking about mental health helps people to feel seen and understood as their feelings and experiences are validated. Conversations can also help to prevent problems from getting worse, especially if they are had early, as they can signpost people to support services and alert people to signs of immediate danger. 

It’s true to say that talking about mental health can save someone’s life. Talking about mental health reduces stigma, offers a listening ear and can encourage people to seek support. Conversations around mental health can help a person to feel seen, remind them that there are people who care about their wellbeing and reiterate that help is available. A simple conversation or genuine query into how someone is feeling, can give them the encouragement to open up about their mental health. 

How to Talk to Someone About Their Mental Health

If you have concerns about someone’s mental health it’s beneficial to have an open conversation with them to check in and see how they are. It can admittedly be daunting knowing how to approach this type of conversation. You may worry that you will say the wrong thing and make them feel worse or that they may respond negatively and shut down. These are valid concerns, however they should not stop you from attempting to talk to someone about their mental health. 

All conversations about mental health should be direct and compassionate. The goal is to create a supportive environment in which someone feels comfortable to be honest about how they are feeling and reassured that they are not alone. 

Here are some tips on how you can talk to someone about their mental health:

Seek Privacy drop down menu

The topic of mental health can be incredibly personal and it’s important that someone’s privacy is respected. Ensure that you are in a quiet and private space where you can have an open conversation without fear of distraction of being overheard. This can help to create a more comfortable environment in which people feel encouraged to talk freely.

Pay Attention drop down menu

Conversations around mental health can be a big step and it takes a lot of courage to open up about our inner feelings. It’s vital that you pay full attention to what is being said to you, this shows that your concern is genuine and also enables you to notice any signs of immediate risk. Turn off your phone, ensure you won’t be disturbed and make eye contact, where appropriate, so that you can maintain a genuine engagement with what is being said. 

Offer Reassurance drop down menu

As mentioned, sharing our inner feelings about our mental health can be incredibly daunting. It’s important to recognise the strength that a person has shown by engaging in conversation and to reassure them that you are there to help. Reassurance can help someone know that you can be trusted and that you have their best interests at heart. 

Ask Questions drop down menu

When discussing mental health it’s important that you let someone speak for themself and don’t jump to conclusions. However, just because you have broached the topic does not automatically mean they will know what they want to say, how they want to say it or have a practiced speech ready. Asking open-ended questions can encourage people to think deeper about how they are feeling and the type of support they may need. Asking clarifying questions can highlight that you are listening and gives you the chance to double check your understanding of their needs. However, it’s important to remember that someone may not wish to discuss every aspect of their mental health in detail so you should not use questions to push them for more information if they are not ready. 

Don’t Force It drop down menu

Conversations about mental health encourage people to open up and share worries and concerns that they may have been keeping to themselves. Nevertheless, they should not be forced to say more than they wish to or are ready to express at that time. You may think that you are helping and that knowing the full scope of how they are feeling will ensure they get the best help, however, failing to notice signs of distress or discomfort can have incredibly negative consequences. Pressuring someone to say more than they wish or even to go to their GP, can make them feel uncomfortable and exacerbate feelings of not being listened to or being misunderstood. 

Offer Support drop down menu

Offering support can range from offering to help someone with their food shop, to going to see a professional with them. Offering support can help tasks feel less daunting whilst reaffirming that they are not on their own. It can be helpful to ask someone how you can support them but recognise that they may not know what kind of help they need. In this instance you can offer suggestions, including signposting to other resources that may be available to them. It’s important to recognise that a key way to show support can be by simply listening and keeping things normal. Sharing struggles about one’s mental health can be incredibly rewarding but can also lead to feelings of apprehension as to what happens next. Fear of judgement may have made them hesitant to reach out in the first place and whilst compassion should always be offered, when presented as pity, it can heighten feelings of shame. Keeping things normal reiterates that you are someone to be trusted and also helps maintain an element of familiarity which can guide people through trying times.  

If you think someone is in immediate danger you should call for 999 for an ambulance. 

How to Talk to Someone About Your Mental Health

Talking to someone about your own mental health can be just as daunting as broaching the topic about theirs. The same fears that can stop someone from reaching out can also greatly impact you. Somewhat paradoxically, many people find it easier to talk to others about their struggles than to share what is happening to themselves. However, it’s important to recognise that the same judgement free support that you are willing to offer others is available to you. 

Here are some tips on how you can talk to someone about your own mental health:

Choose a Trusted Individual drop down menu

It’s important that you talk to someone that you trust. This might be a friend, family member or even a work colleague. Sharing how you are feeling with someone you trust will make you feel more comfortable and willing to open up about your experiences. Take the time to list a few people and think about whether they will be able to offer the support that you need. Not everyone will be able to provide you with the necessary support and it’s important that you don’t take that personally. There are a variety of reasons why someone might not be able to help and that is why writing a list can be helpful so that you readily know who else you could speak to. You may also recognise that you might find it easier to open up to someone who you don’t know as well, such as your GP or a professional service. 

Prepare drop down menu

Recognising that you need to talk to someone is a significant step in the right direction but it’s perfectly understandable that in the moment you may freeze or struggle to say everything that you want to. Take some time before the interaction to think about what you want to say and write down a few key thoughts. It doesn’t need to be a pre-planned speech but knowing the main issues that you want to discuss will help to keep the conversation productive.  

Ensure Privacy drop down menu

Having a quiet and private space to discuss your mental health will enable you to be more open about what you are feeling. The environment in which you have this conversation is very important. You may find it easier to talk on the phone rather than face-to-face or whilst doing an activity with someone, such as going for a walk or cooking. Being in a comfortable and private environment will make it easier for you to be honest and direct about your thoughts. 

Initiate the Conversation drop down menu

Once you have decided who you want to speak to, let them know that you want to talk to them and, if you feel comfortable to do so, what you want to talk about. It may well feel overwhelming but it’s important that you initiate the conversation when you are ready. It’s okay if you don’t specifically know what you need from the other person, it may simply be a listening ear, some practical support or company going to an appointment. Don’t be afraid to tell them if you are unsure, you don’t need to have everything figured out perfectly. The NHS advises inviting whomever you talk to to ask questions so that the conversation can go both ways. This may facilitate deeper conversation which leads to more tailored and specific support. 

If you think that you are in immediate danger you should call 999 for an ambulance. 

Whether talking about your own mental health or sharing concerns with someone about their own, it’s important to know what resources are available. Support is out there and you can access it through organisations and resources such as:
Samaritans
NHS 111 online
Hub of Hope
Mind
NHS Every Mind Matters

How to Have a Conversation About Mental Health

Below you will find some practical tips on how you can have a conversation about mental health. Whether you are opening up about your own mental health or initiating a conversation with someone that you are worried about, knowing the best way to approach the conversation can ensure that it is compassionate and productive. An open and honest discussion helps people feel less isolated, reminds them that they are not alone and identifies the support they may need. 

It’s imperative to remember that no two people are alike and so no two mental health struggles are alike. Each individual will have a different way of processing their emotions and handling their difficulties; having a conversation about mental health is never ‘one size fits all.’ The tips below can help to guide a conversation and help to make the process of broaching the topic feel less daunting, however they should not be used as a script. Mental health can be complex, people can struggle to voice what they are feeling and one person’s difficulties can manifest wildly differently to someone else’s. Any conversation about mental health must place the person at the centre of the discussion. Be flexible, listen and give the conversation the time and attention that it deserves. 

When having a conversation about mental health:

  • Consider your language – Discussions around mental health have improved over time but many phrases are still rooted in archaic views. Avoid defining someone by their diagnosis or in a way that implies their entire life experience is negative. Making comments such as ‘she’s manic depressive’ robs a person of their identity and runs the risk of reducing their experience to a stereotype. If the topic of suicide arises don’t say ‘commited’ suicide as this suggests that suicide is a crime or a sin. A poor use of language can make someone hesitant to open up if they suspect that you have preconceived misconceptions about mental health. They may worry that they will not be taken seriously or that their worries will be quickly dismissed if the language that is used casually around mental health is inherently negative.
  • Be direct and compassionate – Whilst the topic of mental health can be a sensitive subject for a lot of people, a lack of directness can often do more harm than good. This does not mean that you should be rude and decide for yourself without listening to what is being said, but it does mean that you should avoid dancing around the topic. Directness can be as simple as saying ‘I’m worried about you’ and using that to initiate a conversation. If you are talking to someone who you know well you are likely to know how best to show directness and it’s important that you trust yourself to make the best decision. Fear of saying the wrong thing should not stop you from saying anything at all. If you are talking to someone about your own mental health, being direct may look like saying ‘I need help’ but not knowing what kind of help you need. You don’t need to have everything worked out but recognising that you need support and voicing that need is a significant step in the right direction. 
  • Use open-ended questions – Open-ended questions provide space for a person to say what they want to in their own words. It shows that you have an open-mind and that you are not trying to jump in with your own ideas of what is going on. An open-mind encourages people to be honest about what they are experiencing whilst allowing them to reflect on how they are feeling and what support they may need. 
  • Be patient – It’s understandable that someone may not be able to share everything that they are experiencing in one conversation. It may also take more than one conversation for them to fully open up and express themselves. Showing patience helps to build trust which in turn encourages people to open up. Discussions around mental health should never be rushed and whether talking about your own mental health or someone else’s, time must be given to create a safe environment. Avoid jumping in and trying to finish someone’s sentence, if they have paused whilst talking, give them time to speak or encourage them to tell you more. Non-judgmental listening and patience encourages a person to relax. It may take some time but it is vital to make the conversation beneficial. 
  • Look after yourself – Facilitating a conversation around mental health can be incredibly beneficial and emotionally taxing. It can be upsetting hearing about the hardships that a loved one is dealing with and it can be equally distressing sharing your own private thoughts and fears. After a conversation about mental health, take some time to relax and do something that you enjoy. It can be helpful to go for a walk, journal or practice mindfulness. As the adage goes, you cannot pour from an empty cup and so if you are supporting someone with their mental health you must take the time to look after yourself. If you are sharing concerns about your own mental health you should take the time to recognise your bravery and that you are not alone. Be kind to yourself and try to partake in something that makes you feel good. 

Talking about mental health can be intimidating, however it can also facilitate life-changing conversations that provide people with vital support. Discussing mental health reduces stigma, shows understanding and can be a much needed sign of community when someone is at their most vulnerable. A fear of saying the wrong thing should never stop you from voicing concerns and often an imperfect conversation is better than no conversation at all. Talking about mental health breaks down barriers and helps everyone to speak more openly and feel less alone.  

Further Resources:

Tags:

Mental Health and Wellbeing