The importance of Mental Health conversations: Building a culture of vulnerability and support

'No rest for the wicked' or 'the grind never stops' would be some of my colleagues’ favourite phrases when I was working in the corporate sector. And there I was, keen to climb the corporate ladder in a place where exhaustion was glorified. I spent my early career working days, evenings, and weekends, thinking that the only way to prove myself and be valued was by pushing myself to the limit. I was constantly tired and wearing my exhaustion as a badge of honour.

I now know this was unsustainable. But I didn’t see any other way at that time. Vulnerability was a no-go. Admitting I wasn’t coping, or that I needed help, felt like failure—so I kept quiet, and hoped that it would all sort itself out. It didn’t. Over time, my body started to send warning signs—persistent fatigue, brain fog, frequent colds—but I brushed them off. The diagnoses were always something tangible: a vitamin deficiency or poor diet. Burnout was never mentioned. The idea that I was simply working too much and that it was affecting my health never entered the conversation—at least not until I reached a point where I could no longer ignore it.

Eventually, something had to give. I changed jobs, and with that fresh start, I also started speaking about my experience. When I began sharing my story, I was amazed at how many others had faced the same challenges. It was as if giving voice to my struggles gave others permission to do the same.

A report published in January 2025 by Mental Health UK revealed that one in five workers (21%) needed to take time off from work in the past year due to poor mental health caused by pressure or stress.

Having recently completed my Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training, I’ve come to appreciate just how powerful simple, honest conversations can be. A key learning was that we don’t need to have all the answers to support someone. Simply listening—without judgement, without trying to “fix” things—can make a big difference. Checking in on someone doesn’t have to be a big deal. Just asking, “How are you really doing?” can open the door to a conversation that might help lighten the load.

Another valuable lesson from the MHFA training is that creating a culture of openness and psychological safety is essential. If we want to break the silence, we need to actively foster environments where people feel safe to share their struggles without fear of judgment or repercussions.

Speaking about mental health doesn’t always come easily, but every conversation is a step toward breaking the silence. It can start with simple but meaningful actions.

• Starting with someone we trust. Whether it’s a friend, colleague, or MHFAider, confiding in someone we feel comfortable with can be a first step:
• Using simple language. We don’t have to have all the answers or the perfect words. Saying, “I’ve been feeling overwhelmed lately” can be enough.
• Setting boundaries. Sharing is important, but we don’t have to disclose everything at once. We can share what feels right for us, at our own pace.
• Leading by example. If we are in a leadership role and we feel comfortable sharing our own experiences with mental health, it can signal to others that it’s okay to talk about it.
• Practicing active listening. When someone does open up, it’s vital to listen without judgment or interruption. Often, just knowing someone is there to listen is enough to make a world of difference.

Ultimately, mental health conversations create a culture where people feel seen, heard, and supported. The more we normalise these discussions, the more we reduce stigma and help each other thrive. Small moments of connection can make all the difference.