Discussing Emotions Through Talking Therapy: Mental Health Improvements from Verbal Interaction
Every year on 2nd February, the UK observes Time to Talk Day, a day dedicated to opening up conversations around mental health. These discussions are more than just a conversation; they promote emotional growth, self-awareness, and encourage people to seek help, ultimately improving overall quality of life and mental well-being.
According to numerous studies, talking about mental health can have significant benefits. For instance, almost 70% of those who underwent talk therapy reported benefits for a variety of conditions, with over 50% recovering from their symptoms in an average of 7 sessions. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), the gold standard of talk therapy in psychology, has extensive evidence proving its benefits for all age groups and multiple mental health issues. In fact, 40% of depressed patients receiving CBT reported a 50% reduction in depressive scores and improvement in quality of life.
Moreover, connecting with family, friends, and loved ones can boost mental wellbeing and lower the risk of mental disorders. A study in the Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry found that those who are better socially connected have lower risk of mental disorders. Initiating a conversation with a friend, family member, or loved one can brighten up both your days and add to social support for better mental health.
The Mental Health Foundation and Mental Health America recommend five ways to discuss mental health correctly: be in a safe space, listen empathetically, use reliable resources, be mindful of terms, and ask for help preferences. Creating a safe, supportive space that encourages openness, using empathetic and non-stigmatizing language, and respecting the person's feelings and boundaries are key to effective discussions. Encouraging professional help when appropriate, and sharing information about available resources, is also essential.
CBT recommends 10-20 sessions for long-term benefits, and depressive people saw benefits even after 40 months post-therapy. Interestingly, CBT can also be delivered digitally and is equally as effective, according to a review of 106 studies.
Talking about mental health can save lives. If you are concerned about someone's safety, reach out to the right helplines such as https://www.therapyforyou.co.uk/crisis. The 2022 WHO report states that 1 in 8 people worldwide live with a mental disorder. Join the Time to Talk Day conversation at timetotalkday.co.uk.
For more guidelines on talking about mental health, visit the Mental Health Foundation at https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/talking-about-mental-health or Mental Health America at https://www.mhanational.org/stories/time-talk-tips-talking-about-your-mental-health. Remember, talking about mental health can be a life-changing experience, not just for the person sharing, but also for those who listen and offer support.
Engaging in conversations about mental health, as done during Time to Talk Day, can foster emotional growth and self-awareness, promoting healthy living. Incorporating science-based approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), can enhance mental health and well-being, ultimately benefiting one's health-and-wellness. Furthermore, establishing close relationships with family, friends, and loved ones, through open dialogue, may reduce the risk of mental disorders and support overall mental health.
