- Feel Good
- 7th Feb 2025
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- 0 minute
41% of people in the North East would rather stay silent about their mental health than risk an awkward conversation – it’s time to talk…
Picture this: you’re sitting with a friend over coffee, the conversation flowing easily—weekend plans, work stress, the latest Netflix binge. But when the topic of mental health comes up, there’s a shift. A hesitation. An awkward pause.
New research released for Time to Talk Day reveals that two-fifths of people in the North East (41%) would rather stay silent about their mental health than risk an uncomfortable conversation.
And that silence is taking its toll—on friendships, families, workplaces, and communities.
The cost of silence
Not talking about mental health doesn’t make struggles disappear. In fact, it does the opposite. One in three (33%) people surveyed admitted to withdrawing from loved ones or social situations because they didn’t feel able to open up about their mental health.
And for some, staying silent is having even more serious repercussions—11% say it has affected their ability to cope at work or school, while 15% say bottling things up has made their mental health worse.
Why are we so reluctant to talk? The research highlights a range of reasons:
Fear of being a burden (20%)
Worrying about being seen as ‘dramatic’ (20%)
Believing that mental health is a private matter (15%)
But the truth is, keeping quiet can be isolating – and can delay getting the support that makes all the difference.
Small conversations, big impact
Time to Talk Day exists to change this. A national initiative led by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, in partnership with Co-op, the campaign encourages people across the UK to start conversations about mental health in their homes, workplaces, and communities. Because the more we talk, the easier it becomes.
Dr. Sarah Hughes, Chief Executive of Mind, said: “Talking about mental health isn’t always easy, and as a society, we still shy away from these conversations out of fear of being rejected. But small, everyday actions—like checking in on a friend or having an open chat over coffee—can create a culture where people feel comfortable to talk.”
Breaking the cycle: Real stories from the North East and Yorkshire
For some, finding the courage to open up has been life-changing. Paul Harris, 45, from County Durham, knows this first-hand.
When he started experiencing panic attacks at work, his instinct was to keep quiet. “I was worried people would think I was moaning, so I started avoiding people altogether. That way, I didn’t have to talk about it.”
But isolation only made things harder. When he finally confided in his GP and loved ones, things started to change. “My wife helped me open up, and now I even give talks about mental health in schools and workplaces—something I never thought I’d be able to do.”
Then there’s Lol, 63, from Teesside. Having battled depression and anxiety for years, he struggled with the stigma of mental health in a ‘macho’ culture. But breaking that silence didn’t just help him—it’s allowed him to support others going through the same thing.
“When I was younger, there was a ‘macho’ attitude among men. I felt like I had to be ‘strong’, which meant it was hard to say when I was struggling. The only times I can remember men being open when I was in my 20s was after a few drinks. At that time, I was still learning about myself and trying to figure things out. But as I grew, I gained more self-awareness and a greater sense of identity. I realised it was OK to be honest about how I was feeling. So, I started to let my guard down and show vulnerability. One of the things which really helps me is going to the gym and connecting with people there. It’s a very therapeutic, supportive and reassuring environment, so it’s a comfortable place to talk openly about mental health. When you’re younger, you don’t have as much control over who you hang around with or where. I felt pressured to conform with people at school and I didn’t have as many people I could talk to. Sadly, I know lots of men in the North East still find it hard to talk about mental health. That’s why when I’m around men in the gym changing rooms, I take the opportunity to get people talking. Sometimes, you just need a friend to talk to.”
And Zarah, 21, from Leeds, who faced eating disorders and anxiety in silence for too long. Through conversation and support, she’s turned loneliness into confidence and now advocates for safe, open spaces where people feel able to share their struggles without fear of judgment.
“When I first started experiencing mental health problems, I didn’t want to talk about it. There was an invisible barrier which I couldn’t overcome. I worried that if I told people how I was feeling, it’d disrupt their view of me. I felt awkward and ashamed. I wasn’t mentally present during social interactions because I was stuck in my head. My mental space was taken up processing my problems instead of thinking about my studies or the things I used to enjoy. Holding everything in created a gap between me and everyone else. I was so lonely. As I got older, I started to spend more time with people my age. I could relate to them over things like mental health, so I gradually felt more comfortable talking to them about it. The more I talked, the more self-aware, confident and connected I felt. But I still fear being judged. Sometimes, I hold back because I don’t want to add to other people’s struggles.”
So how can we all be part of the change?
Start a conversation. It doesn’t have to be a deep heart-to-heart. A simple ‘How are you really doing?’ can open the door.
Listen without judgment. Sometimes, just being there for someone is enough.
Create safe spaces. Whether it’s at home, at work, or with friends, encourage a culture where talking about mental health is normal, not taboo.
Share resources. If you or someone you know needs support, visit timetotalkday.co.uk for guidance on having conversations and accessing help.
Time to Talk Day is proof that small conversations can lead to big change. This is our chance to push past the awkwardness, break the stigma, and make sure that nobody in the North East—or beyond—feels they have to struggle alone.
So, let’s talk. Because mental health is something we all have—and no one should feel they have to keep it to themselves.
#TimeToTalk
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