WE CAN usually tell when somebody we know is physically ill or has broken their leg, but it is more difficult to know when somebody is dealing with a mental health issue.

It is estimated that one in four people have poor mental health in their lives and the most recent Welsh Health Survey says that more than one in eight visited their GP in the past year to talk about their mental health.

That means that there are many in our families, friends and work colleagues who have concerns about their mental health that maybe we don’t know about or they are hiding from us, including depression, anxiety and concerns about money, relationships and other problems.

This Thursday, February 2, is Time to Talk Day. It’s a chance to take the time to have a cup of tea or a drink with a friend or family member and ask how they are.

It’s important that people know that somebody is there for them who will listen and who won’t judge them.

Whether you have those conversations on Thursday or some other day, remember to have them with the people you love and with friends and colleagues. It could make all the difference.

Cllr Ian Johnson

Vice-chair of Vale of Glamorgan Healthy Living and Social Care committee

Plaid Cymru