When discussing mental health –especially if its a fresh or an unusual topic, Beck says to approach the conversation normally from the beginning, rather than focusing solely on the mental health aspect.
For someone talking about their mental health for possibly the first time in their life, Beck says patience is important.
“Whether you’re the one talking about your mental health or you’re having the conversation with someone about theirs, gentle patience and encouragement is needed,” says Beck.
“Describing someone as having a ‘screw loose’ or going to the ‘looney bin’ if they went to hospital for their mental health is common rhetoric, and this all feeds into the negative terms and stigma surrounding the topic.
“This is someone who is going to keep things confidential and you will have that anonymity and safety which can make people feel a lot more comfortable to fully open up and put everything on the table.”.
