You don’t need to have all the answers: Why being there is enough

Time to Talk Day is all about encouraging open, honest conversations about mental health. It's the nation's biggest mental health conversation. For many people, the idea of talking about how someone feels can feel intimidating. ‘What if you say the wrong thing?’ ‘What if you can’t fix the problem?’ ‘What if you don’t know how to help?’ 

Here’s the good news: you don’t need to be an expert — being there is often enough. There are services available, like Able Futures, that will take the professional, qualified approach. 

Listening, showing up, and creating space for someone to talk can make a huge difference to their wellbeing.  

Why conversations matter 

Talking about mental health helps break down stigma, reduces feelings of isolation and creates an opportunity for someone to feel seen and supported. Conversations don’t have to be perfectly phrased. Sometimes, a simple check‑in can be the first step that helps someone feel lighter. Most people don’t expect solutions. They just want to feel heard. The sense of feeling validated and seen can be the starting point for someone to seek further help.  

 You’re not expected to fix anything 

When someone shares how they’re feeling, it can be tempting to jump straight into problem‑solving mode, but mental health support doesn’t require instant answers. In fact, most people benefit more from empathy than advice. 

Supportive responses like: 

“That sounds really tough.” 

“I’m glad you told me.” 

“I’m here to listen.” 

All show understanding without pressure. Your calm presence can help someone open up further and feel less alone. Speaking these aloud to someone can even provide a way for them to process how their feeling and get it out of their head. 

Listening is more powerful than you realise 

Active listening is one of the most supportive things you can offer. This means: 

• Putting distractions aside 
• Letting the other person finish their thoughts 
• Asking gentle questions like “How long have you felt like this?” 
• Acknowledging feelings rather than trying to change them 

 Even small moments of connection can help someone feel validated. 

 You don’t need special training to start the conversation 

A conversation can begin with something as simple as: 

“How are you feeling - really?” 

“You’ve seemed a bit quiet lately, everything okay?” 

“Fancy a chat over a cuppa?” 

These small invitations let someone know you care and if they don’t feel ready to talk, you’ve still shown them that support is available when they are. If they don’t want to open up, that’s fine. You don’t need to push them. Simply let them know that you are here if they want to talk about anything else.  

Top tip: sharing something you’re comfortable with about your own experience can help open the door to conversation. 

Further support is available 

If someone does open up about struggling, it’s important to reassure them they don’t have to deal with it alone. You don’t need to have the answers, but you can suggest services to help them take the next step. 

Able Futures offers no cost, confidential mental health support for people in work, delivered through the Access to Work Mental Health Support Service on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions. Our tailored guidance helps people feel better and stay in work, with ongoing support from a mental health professional. 

A simple conversation could be the bridge that helps someone recognise they deserve help and reach out for it. 

This Time to Talk Day, remember: your presence matters 

You don’t need to say the perfect thing. 

You don’t need to have all the answers. 

You don’t need to fix how someone feels. 

You just need to show up, listen and remind someone they don’t have to navigate things alone. If you, or someone you know, needs structured, confidential mental health support, Able Futures is here to help.