Talk To Us is an annual awareness raising campaign ran by the Samaritans to help raise awareness around the benefits of both talking with someone, but also being a good listener for others.
For so many years, many of us grew up keeping our deepest thoughts to ourselves. Sharing these thoughts and talking with others was risky and we avoided it out of fear of judgement. However, time have changed and as the world becomes more aware of mental wellbeing and the issues that people experience, we are now encouraged more than ever to talk to someone about how we are feeling, whether that be a friend, a family member, a partner or a counsellor through your EAP support.
What are the benefits of speaking with someone?
– Stress relief – How many times have you kept something to yourself and it’s become a much larger issue than it needs to be, only for the moment you speak with someone about it you feel the world has been lifted. This is often the way it goes as people try to hold onto their feelings for as long as possible, only to realise sharing isn’t all that bad. The stress and anxiety relief when sharing can be uplifting, you won’t feel as if you’re on your own with it anymore, you may get the reassurance or help that you need and things will start to look up!
– Building stronger relationships – Opening up to someone you trust can really strengthen a relationship. If you open up to a friend or family member you will feel relieved and reassured that you can count on them. For them equally, they will feel you’re able to be vulnerable with them which in turn can allow them to more freely speak with you, should they need to.
Who shall I speak to?
This depends on who you feel most comfortable with. This will vary from person to person as some will speak with their partner or family member, some will speak with close friend, others opt to speak with people they don’t know like counsellors or groups.
– Friends – You will know which friends you trust the most, or the ones that would receive things best. Create yourself a comfortable situation with them and try to open up when the time feels right
– Family – Family members can often be relied upon to offer up support and reassurance in times of need. Don’t be afraid to reach out and share your feelings as more often than not, they would be encouraging you to do so if they were aware of how you were feeling.
– A Group – Some people join groups of others that may be similar. This is often done online now in forums where people seek advice and others give it. The internet has plenty of cons but being able to do this with people around the world that may be experiencing the same or similar is definitely a plus!
– Speak with a counsellor – There’s plenty of support available to you to have confidential
conversations with professionals. Accessing the support available from your EAP and speaking with a counsellor can be a good starting point to opening up and as it’s completely confidential, nobody will know.
More information
If you would like to view the Webinar on ‘Talk to us 2022’ is being delivered live on Friday 8th July at 12:00pm-12:30pm, please use the following link to register for this session –
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2463556281367923468
If you are unable to join the webinar live, a recording of the session can be accessed using the same link above after the webinar has taken place.
If you feel you may need some support, you can contact Care first. Care first is a leading provider of confidential, professional counselling, information and advice services. All employees are eligible to use Care first, our services include; telephone counselling, information services and online support.
Call Care first on the Freephone number provided by your organisation and you can speak to a professional in confidence.