Good morning 👋
How’s your week started off so far?
Time to Talk Day 2026 was last Thursday – an event commonly referred to as the UK’s biggest mental health conversation. In the spirit of this, I wanted to do a little blog today, acting as an open conversation with you.
Hello and Welcome to Sweeney’s Blogs!
Mental health affects us all in different ways, shaping who we are as people. It’s a topic that falls very close to my heart, and is something I have spoken to quite a lot here on the page over the last seven years.
When we’re taking a look at the topic of mental health, we must address the “stigma”, which still exists. Thankfully, a lot of progress has been made in recent years, with more people encouraging these much-needed discussions and offering genuine support, should anybody need it.
Conversations around mental health are, by their nature, highly personal. I’ve found it fascinating over the last couple of years to learn more about how people’s minds work, factoring in their pasts, which have shaped their presents, as well as their aspirations for the future and the mental map they create to reach that vision.
I don’t want this blog to be too long; I want it to be focused on a couple of central messages, some of which include:
- Conversations around mental health aren’t solely positive or negative. I believe that our mental health exists on a spectrum, changing and evolving alongside you as a person, as well as being influenced by other factors in your life, of course.
- It’s okay to be okay, and it’s okay to not be okay – we’re living in very uncertain times, how you’re feeling is entirely valid and shouldn’t be undervalued or swept under the carpet.
- Support is always available if you need it – this can be in the form of friends, parents, colleagues, professional services, you name it. I know first-hand how difficult it can be to start talking; however, the difference it can make in your life is astounding.
While days like Time to Talk Day are incredibly important, they’re not just about one moment in the calendar; they’re there to act as a springboard for the discussions we should all try to encourage in everyday life.
Whether it’s checking in with one another, making space to listen, and being open about how we’re really feeling can make a huge difference, even in the smallest of ways. If this post does anything, I hope it reminds you that talking, or simply being there for someone else, is always worthwhile.
That’s all for today’s blog. Thanks a lot for reading and I hope you have a lovely weekend, no matter how you choose to spend it 🩵
Until next time,
James
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