WITH so many of us suffering mentally due to the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, today’s annual ‘Time to Talk Day’ is perhaps even more crucial in the current climate.

Conversations about mental health will be happening nationwide today as part of the social movement organised by Time to Change to end the stigma surrounding speaking out about your problems and asking for help.

In a bid to use our platforms in a positive light, our newsroom and sister titles across the UK are promoting awareness of positive mental health.

Social media is now too often used to spread hate, negativity and as a tool for trolling or bullying – and sadly during lockdown this does appear to have only got worse in many cases.

As well as content being aimed at making people feel good about themselves and their local areas, we are shining a light on the local and national organisations people can turn to for support.

This year’s theme for Time to Talk Day is ‘the power of small’ and aims to serve as a reminder that one small conversation can make a big difference not only to those suffering, but in driving a change in attitudes to destigmatise mental health.

Statistically, one in four people will experience a mental health problem in any given year.

If the implications associated with the current Covid-19 pandemic are considered, inevitably this figure could rise.

Guardian editor Hayley Smith said: “Time to Talk Day is about encouraging people to get talking about mental health and it has never felt more needed than now.

“This latest lockdown has been incredibly challenging for so many of us so we want to make sure that everyone is aware of the support groups available to them if they are struggling.

"Social media should be a place for people to share stories and reconnect with others. Sadly it is now often used to spread hate, negativity and as a tool for trolling or bullying, and during lockdown this seems to have only got worse.

"We want to use our own platforms today to encourage people suffering their own struggles to reach out and talk, to share their stories and to realise they aren't alone.”

Where to get support in Cheshire

If a person’s mental or emotional state quickly gets worse or deteriorates, this can be called a ‘mental health crisis’.

In this situation, it is important to get help quickly.

If you, or anyone you know, experiences these symptoms, please call the CWP urgent mental health helpline on 0800 145 6485.

It is open 24 hours a day to people of all ages – including children and young people.

There is also support available for those people with less urgent mental health needs.

Talking therapies, or psychological therapies (IAPT), are effective and confidential treatments delivered by fully trained practitioners.

They can help with common mental health problems like stress, anxiety and depression.

To find the nearest IAPT service to you, visit cwp.nhs.uk/contact/need-urgent-help

Amiee Kujawa, from Northwich, recently set up Reach to Speak Out as a mental health peer support group on Facebook.

If you are struggling and need to reach out, the Samaritans are there to listen 24 hours a day, by calling 116 123.