“It’s allll good!” sometimes means, “I’m stressed and burned out.”

Let’s face it: It’s not always easy to tell people how you really feel. Sometimes, it’s easier to just say, “I’m fine,” than to open up. But an open conversation can be the first step towards better mental health.

“Yeah, getting by …” sometimes means, “I worry about paying my bills.”

Please join the Wellness Center for Time to Talk Day, an event held at the beginning of February each year to help people and communities come together for a conversation about mental health.

Time to Talk Day is the perfect opportunity to start a conversation about mental health. The more conversations we have, the better life is for everyone. Talking about mental health isn’t always easy, and sometimes it’s even harder to say how you really feel. But a conversation has the power to change lives.

The power of a conversation

• 1 in 4 of us will experience a mental health problem in any given year, and too many of us are made to feel isolated, worthless and ashamed because of this.
• The combination of a relentless news cycle and a cost-of-living crisis is only making it harder to look after our mental health.
• Talking openly and honestly about our mental health is good for our wellbeing and helps bust myths and break down barriers.
• Listening without judgement when someone opens up to you has the power to change a life.

“Not toooo bad” sometimes means “I feel lost and alone.”

Wellness Center staff will be available to speak to students and provide resources about mental health on:

• February 1^st in Middletown (Rowley Center 1^st floor lobby) from 11 am to 1 pm
• February 5th in Newburgh (Grand Street Lobby, Kaplan Hall) from 10 am to 12 pm

Time to Talk Day comes to us from the United Kingdom. It was launched in 2014 by Time to Change, a campaign to end mental health stigma and discrimination, which was run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness.

“Hey! How’s it going?” Sometimes means “I’m here if you want to talk.”

For more info visit the Time to Talk Day website or call the Wellness Center at (845) 341-4870.