1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem this year yet as a society we are often very reluctant to talk about mental health and wellbeing, and this can lead to people feeling ashamed, isolated and worthless.  (Time to Change 2020)

Talking about mental health can really help to change lives and all health and care professionals have an important role in leading the way when it comes to mental health and well being. Wellbeing and mental health: Applying All Our Health (PHE 2019) states:

Front-line health professionals can:

•  use the Make every contact count resource, and take every opportunity to have brief conversations with people about making positive changes
• incorporate psychological aspects of care within all care pathways
• identify risk factors and symptoms of mental health problems and signpost and refer appropriately
• identify risk factors and indicators for potential self-harm and suicide and support individuals who may present with suicidal thoughts and refer appropriately
• guide individuals with existing mental health problems through health promotion advice - and support them to access services to improve their physical health and wellbeing (screening, health checks, physical activity, debt advice)
• use basic coaching techniques to support an individual who may be experiencing mental distress

This #AllOurHealth Tweetchat will focus on the importance of health and care professionals talking about mental health and wellbeing and the impact we can all have.  The Tweetchat will explore the following questions:

• Why is it important to talk about mental health & wellbeing?
• What action can we take in our day to day roles to meet our patients mental health and wellbeing needs?
• How do we identify those people at risk of poor mental health and what action can we take?
• Have you used PHE’s Every Mind Matters campaign and resources in your practice? What has worked well and what could we develop or improve?
• What one action can you take in regard to mental health and wellbeing following this Tweetchat?