Kitchen? – A single word that started many a confidential conversation in my former office. It served as the signal to draw people to a space where privacy could be guaranteed. The kitchen became a sanctuary where you could speak freely and as a result it witnessed a myriad of emotions – from rants and tears to hugs and laughter. This room became a haven where you could take a moment to connect with someone they trusted, secure in the knowledge that whatever was shared in the kitchen would remain within. I both sought and provided support in the kitchen.
February 1st, is 🔗 Time to Talk Day.– a day when open conversations about mental health are encouraged. This day serves as a catalyst to promote understanding and dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
In an ideal world, we wouldn’t need a designated day to emphasize the importance of noticing when others really need us to listen or to seek out a conversation ourselves when we need it. Chats about mental wellbeing should be as commonplace as those related physical wellbeing. It can sometimes be difficult to articulate how you are feeling and it’s easy to be dismissive of your own feelings and emotions, but they are important.
Why not take a moment to step into the metaphorical kitchen, not just on Time to Talk Day but as a regular part of your interactions? Breaking down the barriers surrounding mental health starts with open and honest conversations. Why not create a space where just like the kitchen in my former office, understanding, empathy, and support can flourish.
So, Kitchen? Come on, let’s talk.
