Take time to talk and protect your mental health this winter
With continued cold temperatures, shorter days, and wet and windy weather, the NHS is backing Time to Talk Day (6 February 2025) to support mental health.
Time to Talk Day 2024 revealed that nearly two thirds of people put on a brave face to avoid talking about their mental health. And nearly half of the population are less likely to open up as they don’t want to worry others in already difficult times.
But talking openly and honestly can be the first step towards better mental health for everyone. It can reduce stigma and help people feel comfortable enough to seek help when they need it.
Dr Natasha Ward, Local GP and Clinical Lead for Mental Health at Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB, said:
“We know winter can be a difficult season with many people feeling isolated, spending more time alone indoors.
“That’s why we’re encouraging people to take proactive steps to support mental well-being and that of those around us. Simple things such as getting outdoors when we can and staying connected with friends can all help improve your mental health.”
Five steps to mental wellbeing
- Connect with other people. Good relationships are important for your mental wellbeing.
- By physically active. Being active is not only great for your physical health and fitness. Evidence also shows it can also improve your mental wellbeing.
- Learn new skills. Research shows that learning new skills can also improve your mental wellbeing by boosting self-confidence and raising self-esteem.
- Give to others. Research suggests that acts of giving and kindness can help improve your mental wellbeing by creating positive feelings and a sense of reward.
- Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness). Paying more attention to the present moment can improve your mental wellbeing. This includes your thoughts and feelings, your body and the world around you.
More information about the five steps to mental wellbeing is available on the NHS website.
Dr Natasha Ward added:
“While these five steps will be beneficial to many of us, there are people who might need a helping hand to improve their mental health. It’s really important to remember that if you need further help, there is support available to you.”
Talking Therapies
If you’re feeling low or depressed, or excessive worry or anxiety is affecting you day-to-day, then NHS Talking Therapies could help. NHS Talking Therapies is a free and confidential service, open to adults aged 16-years and over. They offer practical therapies and support, which are proven to help people to improve their mood and find ways to manage.
NHS Talking Therapies is here to provide help at the earliest stage, for anybody who is over 16 and struggling with low mood or worry. You don’t need to be referred by anyone, you can refer yourself by visiting their website or by contacting your GP surgery for help.
We all experience difficult times when we feel like we can’t cope. These incidents can affect your everyday life and prevent you from leading a normal life.
If you are suffering from depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, excessive worry or low mood, then NHS Talking Therapies can help.
Urgent mental health support through NHS 111
Anyone with urgent mental health concerns can seek specialist NHS help, advice and clinical support when needed online or by phone through an NHS 111 for Mental Health service.
Mental Health 111 provides 24-hour expert advice, assessment and support for you, your child, or someone you care for with mental health difficulties.
Support can include developing a plan to find the best way to meet your needs, an assessment to help decide on the best course of care or referring you to mental health services or link you with a range of community-based services that can support you.
To get mental health support through NHS 111 visit 111.nhs.uk/ or call 111 and select option two.
More information about mental health support and a range of other support to help people to Stay Well This Winter is available online.