Talking about mental health is something we should do

The two words themselves come loaded with connotations that it can be hard to shake.

The negativity and secrecy that has surrounded mental health is a long-standing issue that will take years, if not generations, to resolve.

But resolve it we must.

The days of mental health and the issues surrounding it being seen in this way must be on the way out.

Which is why we wholeheartedly support yesterday’s Time To Talk Day.

The national event saw people across the country taking to social media to show their support.

It also saw people speaking out about their own experiences in a bid to get others to realise there’s no stigma.

One of those we feature in our report is Sue Forber of Solent Mind.

She says that she’s lived with mental health issues for many years, even losing a job because of it.

As Sue goes on to point out, one in four people will, at some point in their lives, suffer mental health problems.

So it’s something that will touch every one of us. If it’s not you, it’s likely to be your child, a brother or sister, parent or friend.

It’s great to see brave people like Sue stepping to the fore in a bid to get people talking.

There will be some reading this who wouldn’t dream of discussing their problems.

But the more the message goes out on days like this, the better.

It can only benefit our communities to get them thinking about such an important issue.

And maybe one day, we’ll find ourselves in a world where days like this are no longer needed.