As many psychological experts and counselors know, mental health is a challenge that millions of people struggle with. Unfortunately, widespread silence regarding the issue of mental health creates stigmas and shame. It also prevents those struggling from attaining the support and information they need. Luckily, the professionals at Time to Change have created Time to Talk Day. This day works as a medium to dispel myths and empower individuals in order to cultivate healthier, happier lives.
What Is Time To Talk Day?
Time To Talk Day is a strategy designed to promote in-depth, ongoing, honest communication for the purpose of destigmatizing mental health. Unfortunately, people who struggle with mental health issues are subjected to stereotypes and social isolation. However, sharing knowledge and creating a community around the idea that struggling with a mental health issue does not make one a bad or dangerous person can help promote radical change, inclusion, and recovery.
Time to Talk Day can unfold in numerous ways within whichever community it takes place. For example, the event could involve hundreds of people gathering in a room to discuss key issues or consist of two or three individuals meeting to have coffee and bagels.
Facts To Consider
A big part of Time to Talk Day is reviewing facts that have led to the rise of mental health stigmas and the ostracization of individuals who are struggling with an imbalance, disorder, or disease of the mind. Note that there is a wide range of mental disorders out there, some of which include:
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder
- Attention deficit disorder
- Depression
- Personality disorder
- Posttraumatic stress disorder
Also note that while some individuals believe that mental health challenges are rare, they actually affect one in four people.
The Value Of Talking
There are multiple reasons why talking works as an effective way to grapple with mental health issues. In addition to challenging popular stereotypes, having ongoing discussions can improve relationships by dispelling myths and promoting mutual understanding. Constant communication can also aid in the recovery process and help individuals attain a deeper dimension of self-understanding. In many cases, acquired self-understanding functions as the springboard through which the individual identifies and eliminates the underlying causes that led to the mental health challenge.
What Resources Are Provided For Time To Talk Day?
There are numerous resources that the individuals who created this strategy have provided to assist individuals in creating environments where authentic, sustained communication about mental health becomes an ongoing reality. For example, individuals can gain assistance with the process of planning their event by utilizing the Time to Talk Guides. There are four types, including the Workplace Conversation Pack, Community Conversation Pack, Sports Club Conversation Pack, and Schools Conversation Pack.
In addition to providing individuals with Time to Talk Guides, the representatives of Time to Change offer participants free materials. This includes tip cards, posters, and postcards that will provide individuals with the opportunity to get conversations started in the community, workplace, and schools.
Considering The Value Of Mental Health Treatment Programs
Once an individual gains more knowledge regarding the reality of mental health, they realize that attaining assistance with an existing issue would be appropriate. If so, it’s important to know that help is available in many forms. For example, there are now many mental health treatment programs for men that approach the recovery process in a sex-specific manner. This involves addressing and resolving the unique challenges that males face during the recovery process. Also, note that many young adult rehab programs help individuals address and resolve the specific challenges that young adults may experience as they identify and eliminate mental health issues. Note that the ideal treatment facility should offer some or all of the following:
- Eco-therapy (such as gardening or hiking)
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Individual and group counseling
- Trauma-informed therapy
- Gender-specific programming
Help with Red Oak Recovery®
People who are serious about overcoming a mental health issue or supporting a loved one that is currently battling one should know that they can. If you’re currently looking for a treatment facility, know that the trained, highly skilled professionals of Red Oak Recovery® can assist you. Contact Red Oak Recovery® at 866-457-7590 so that you can start the recovery process.
