Over a third of Brits find it difficult to speak about mental health with friends

• For Mental Health Awareness Week, thortful has polled 1,500 Brits about their willingness to talk about mental health with friends and family 
• Two-fifths of respondents admit to forgetting about taking care of their own mental health whilst looking after others 
• 62% of Brits do not feel completely at ease when talking about their mental health

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, making it the perfect opportunity for you to speak with friends about the topic, especially if you think they might be struggling with their mental health. 

Revealing how Brits feel talking about mental health, greetings card company, thortful, has surveyed 1,500 Brits to find out just how comfortable we are broaching the subject with friends and family to break down the stigma. 

Over a third find mental health to be a difficult topic

To some, it might not come as a surprise that a relatively high percentage of Brits still find it troubling to talk to their friends about their mental health (36%). Additionally, two-fifths (40%) are uncertain how to support their friend with mental health issues.

While a 38% of respondents claimed they feel comfortable talking about their mental health to friends and family, this in turn reveals that 62% of Brits are not completely at ease about broaching the topic.

Nearly half (49%) claim that they would tell their family and friends they feel ‘fine’, even if they’re struggling. The study also revealed that females spot symptoms of mental health-related issues, such as depression, anxiety, and stress easier than their male counterparts. In addition to this, men find it more difficult to talk to their friends about mental health – showing the need to encourage more men to open up.

How can we support friends and family in need of help?

While it’s important to direct your friends and family to a health professional who can support their needs if they are struggling, there are small things we with close relations can do to help, too.

thortful’s survey showed the top things people did for their friends and family in need of some support. They were: 

1. Calling them regularly – 55%
2. Meeting up for a coffee – 42%
3. Going for regular walks – 30%
4. Keeping them in the loop with social events – 29%
5. Helping them find professional support – 21%

Source: Unsplash.com

While it’s important to look after your friends and encourage them to seek professional help should you feel they need it, it’s equally as key to look after your own well-being. Over two-fifths (43%) of respondents have admitted to forgetting to take care of themselves while caring for their friends and family, which proves we may need some education on how to look after ourselves to the same standard we would others.

Commenting on the survey findings, Senior Brand Manager at thortful, Becky Daniels says, “At thortful we’re all about being thoughtful to others and being open about our feelings, whether it’s joy, sadness, or everything in-between! The survey reveals we still have a way to go to break the stigma of mental health, but we’re hoping these numbers and tips offer some insight and help to anyone who might need it.”

If you want to send a smile to anyone you care for, or want to read more about thortful’s study, please visit their site here: https://www.thortful.com/blog/supporting-your-friends/