Research has found that nearly 2 thirds of people put on a brave face to avoid talking about their mental health, and nearly half are less likely to open up as they don't want to worry others.
Time to Talk Day is the nation’s biggest mental health conversation. Run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, it is an opportunity for friends, families, communities and workplaces to come together to talk, listen and change lives.
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, said: "Time to Talk Day is all about starting the conversation about mental health.
"Good mental health is important to all of us and talking openly and honestly can be the first step towards better mental health. It can reduce stigma and help people feel comfortable enough to seek help when they need it.
"That's why this Time To Talk Day, we want everyone to get comfortable and start talking about mental health."
People can get involved in 1 of 2 events taking place in Wolverhampton to mark Time to Talk Day. The Rethink Sanctuary Hub is hosting games of mental health bingo, quizzes, conversations and more at 01902/Urban Rooms, Queen Square, on Thursday from 10am to 4pm, and Central Library will be hosting a Time to Talk coffee morning on Friday from 10.30am to noon – both events are free and all are welcome.
It can be hard to open up and share your feelings, but talking can make a big difference to how you feel. The Time to Talk website has handy hints to help you start a conversation here.
The Better Health - Every Mind Matters website available features lots of NHS approved tips and advice to help you to be kind to your mind and look after your wellbeing.
If you or someone you know is struggling, there are lots of options for support. For someone to talk to, call SANE on 0300 304 7000 (4.30pm to 10.30pm), Samaritans on 116 123 (24 hours), Rethink Mental Illness on 0300 5000 927 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm) or Mind on 0300 123 3393.
If you need urgent help with your mental health or you are struggling to cope, call NHS 111 and select option 2 (mental health option) to be connected to mental health support, or text 07860 025281.
Wolverhampton Sanctuary Hub offers out-of-hours support. Book a face-to-face appointment by calling freephone 0808 802 2288, texting 07860 065168 or emailing wolverhamptonsanctuaryhub@rethink.org.
NHS Talking Therapies offers brief psychological therapy for people experiencing common mental health problems including anxiety, depression, stress and low mood.
Hub of Hope offers a wide range of local support. And remember that your GP is there to help you with your mental health as well as your physical health.