Discussing Emotions through Counselling: Boosting Mental Health via Therapeutic Conversations
In the realm of mental health, fostering open and supportive conversations is paramount. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to discuss mental health effectively, drawing on insights from various sources, including the World Health Organization, the Mental Health Foundation, and Mental Health America.
Firstly, it's essential to prioritise empathy and flexibility. Instead of rigidly adhering to a script, allow conversations to flow naturally, responding to participants' cues and following up on emerging topics to deepen discussion, especially when sensitive topics arise.
Normalising mental health discussions is another key element. Present mental health as a common and acceptable topic, on par with physical health, to reduce stigma and shame. This helps individuals feel more comfortable sharing and seeking help.
Using positive, supportive language is also crucial. Avoid framing questions or comments negatively. Instead, use language that conveys care and understanding, fostering trust and openness.
When conversing with children or distressed individuals, it's important to adopt regulation strategies. For example, helping them calm down before engaging in reasoning or reflective dialogue can make the conversation more productive.
Encouraging ongoing dialogue is vital. Mental health conversations should be continuous rather than one-off events to build trust and strengthen relationships over time.
Providing accessible support and resources is another important aspect, particularly in professional settings. Offering easy access to counseling and peer support networks encourages help-seeking behaviour and resilience.
Initiating a conversation with a friend, family member, or loved one can brighten up both parties' days and add to social support for better mental health. In fact, connecting with family, friends, and loved ones can boost mental wellbeing and lower the risk of mental disorders.
The UK's annual mental health conversation, Time to Talk Day, takes place on 2 February. This initiative encourages talking about mental health and saving lives. The link to join Time to Talk Day is available at timetotalkday.co.uk.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is the gold standard of talk therapy in psychology. This goal-oriented therapy aims to modify thoughts to restructure behaviour. Over 50% of those attending CBT recovered from their symptoms in an average of 7 sessions, and 40% of depressed patients reported a 50% reduction in depressive scores and improvement in quality of life.
Interestingly, CBT can also be delivered digitally and is equally as effective, according to a review of 106 studies. CBT works on the foundation that thoughts, feelings, and actions are connected.
Remember, mental health conversations can be life-changing. They can save lives and improve the quality of life for many. For more resources on talking about mental health, visit the Mental Health Foundation at mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/talking-about-mental-health and Mental Health America at www.mhanational.org/time-talk-tips-talking-about-your-mental-health.
It's important to note that the stigma of mental health affects 9 out of 10 people with mental health issues, according to a report. A study found that social connectedness improves public mental health (Saeri et al., 2017). Those who are better socially connected and have healthy relationships have better mental health.
In conclusion, discuss mental health with empathy, openness, and adaptability, use non-stigmatizing and affirming language, and foster an environment that supports ongoing, normalized conversations. Let's continue to break the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage conversations that save lives.
Reference: Saeri, A.K. et al. (2017). Social connectedness improves public mental health: Investigating bidirectional relationships in the New Zealand attitudes and values survey. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 52(4), pp.365-374.
Engaging in open conversations about mental health can help combat the stigma that affects nine out of ten people with mental health issues, as reported in a study. Therefore, it's crucial to promote science-based health-and-wellness practices, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which has proven effective in improving mental health and reducing symptoms in a majority of cases. Incorporating mental health discussions into daily life can contribute positively to both personal and societal mental health.
