We’ve all had moments where we wanted to say “Actually, I’m not okay” and didn’t. Sometimes it’s because we didn’t know how. Sometimes we weren’t sure it was “the right time.” And sometimes, it’s because we’ve learned through silence, subtle dismissal or outright judgement, that vulnerability isn’t always welcome.
This is the cost of not speaking up. Not just individually but culturally. It chips away at our mental health in small, invisible ways. It tells us that honesty has to be earned. That only some feelings are safe to share. That it’s better to power through than speak the truth out loud.
This year’s Mental Health Week slogan, “There’s More to Me,”is a correction more than it is a campaign. Which is kind of an interesting way to present it. It’s a reminder that we’re all more complex, more nuanced, more human than the personas we present.
And if we want people to open up, we need to make it safe to do so.
So how do we actually do that?
Not with slogans or with performative “Are you okay?” check-ins. But with slow, intentional listening. With permission-based questions. With non-reactivity when someone says something uncomfortable. Whether it’s a hallway chat with a co-worker or a text to a friend who’s been quiet lately, meaningful conversation starts with two simple things: curiosity and consent.
You don’t need to have the perfect words. You just need to show up with care. Here’s what emotional safety sounds like, and a few ways to start:
- “Do you have the bandwidth to talk about something heavy right now?”
- “Can I check in with you, or would another time be better?”
- “I noticed you’ve been keeping to yourself lately. No pressure, but I’m here if you want to talk.”
Think of these as openings. Use them and make them your own. And remember you don’t have to fix someone’s pain to hold space for it.
Why it matters right now
We’re living in a culture of overwhelm. From the rising cost of living and inflation, to mounting workplace stressors, to ongoing mental health struggles and isolation, burnout is more of a baseline than it is a buzzword. It goes without saying that people are exhausted. And one of the quietest causes of that exhaustion? Constant self-editing. Being “on.” Managing other people’s comfort instead of expressing our own truth.
So, here’s our reminder that emotional safety isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s actually foundational. And it’s especially urgent for people whose experiences are regularly misunderstood, like individuals living with mental illness, addiction, trauma, racialized experiences, neurodivergence, or any form of otherness that doesn’t fit into a neat, digestible package.
This week and beyond, we challenge you to create the conditions for honesty. To ask twice. And to stay in the conversation.
Because (you know the words) open and honest conversations connect us all.
More to come today where we cover athlete mental health and our Talk Today program.
Need support?
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or substance use:
- Call or text 9-8-8if you’re in crisis
- In an emergency, call 9-1-1
- Connect with your local CMHA Ontario branch
- Call ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600for 24/7 support
You’re not alone. Help is always available.