WITH one in four adults in the UK facing mental health problems a simple conversation could save lives.

We’ve all asked someone how they are, but did we hear the answer? And was their answer even genuine?

Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, the mental health charities, want us to talk more but have found that 44 per cent of us feel too embarrassed to discuss our state of mind.

The charities, which have branches all across Essex including Colchester, Braintree, Castle Point, Rochford, Rayleigh and Southend, has launched an anti-stigma campaign, Time To Change.

It is pushing a Take Five initiative, asking everyone to spare five minutes to chat about mental health, whether in the office, at the school gate, or before your gym class.

The campaign uses the tagline ‘That call, that walk, that text. It’s the little things that make a big difference’ and the hashtag #TimeToChange to help raise awareness.

Sue Baker, director of Time To Change says: “We know that talking openly about mental health is a vital first step towards breaking down stigma and discrimination.

“We are asking people to take five minutes to do just that.

"With major employers, politicians, universities, schools and thousands of individuals taking part, we've come a long way towards breaking the silence, but new data shows there is still much further to go until talking about mental health is an ordinary and unremarkable thing to do."

The data she references points to 44 per cent of people worried to confide about mental health to loved ones, the 40 per cent who say they are currently experiencing stigma and discrimination, either weekly or monthly, due to mental health issues, the 66 per cent saying stigma and discrimination has stopped them from socialising, and the 39 per cent saying it's stops them from having a relationship.

Research by YouGov and the Institute of Directors, last month, revealed that one-third of employees say stress and anxiety make it difficult to get their work done, yet fewer than one-in-ten businesses (just 7 per cent) have discussed emotional wellbeing or mental health with their employees in the last year.

Talk about it tips

You don’t have to be an expert to talk about mental health.

- Talk, but listen too. Simply being there will mean a lot.

- Keep in touch. Meet up, phone, email or text.

- Don’t just talk about mental health. Chat about everyday things as well.

- Try to be open minded and non-judgemental.

- Avoid cliches. Phrases like ‘cheer up’, ‘I’m sure it’ll pass’ and ‘pull yourself together’ won’t help.

- Ask how you can help.

- Remind them you care. Small things can make a big difference.

- Be patient. Ups and downs can happen.

Find out more about mental health issues at time-to-change.org.uk

Stats

Nine out of ten people who experience mental health problems say they face stigma and discrimination as a result.

A quarter of all adults will experience mental health problems themselves.

Fewer than one-in-ten businesses discuss emotional issues with employees.

For more information visit www.time-to-change.org.uk

Mind's information line (open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday) is 0300 123 3393, or text 86463 or visit mind.org.uk

Samaritans' helpline is open 24 hours a day, on 08457 90 90 90 or visit www.samaritans.org