According to a recent study commissioned by Beavertown Brewery and conducted by OnePoll, over half (56%) of British adults find discussing their mental health the hardest topic to tackle.
The research also indicated that one in four (24%) individuals who have dealt with mental health issues haven't shared their experiences with anyone.
Among 18-44-year-olds, nearly half (46%) acknowledged they would be unsure of how to initiate a conversation regarding friends' mental wellbeing.
"Our partnership with Beavertown is about finding ways to help us all feel more connected." - Simon Gunning
The poll further showed that 28% of respondents feel awkward when engaging in such discussions and six in ten still perceive a stigma associated with mental health.
Tom Davis, an actor and comedian who has publicly shared his own mental health struggles, emphasized the tendency to hide deeper emotions under humor – something he himself has done frequently.
Beavertown Brewery joined forces with CALM charity for the creation of "Open Up" brand of crisps, adorned with thought-provoking phrases inside their packets to initiate conversations about mental wellbeing.
The research revealed that approximately half of all grown-ups are more likely to disclose their emotions to someone who has previously done so. (50% of adults)
In his statement, Simon Gunning, the Chief Executive Officer of Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), emphasizes that fostering genuine connections and promoting openness among individuals is a powerful approach to combating the persistent stigma associated with mental health issues. By creating an environment where people feel comfortable sharing their experiences and feelings, we can collectively work towards reducing the shame and fear surrounding mental wellbeing.
"Pubs are a place where we can come together with our mates to catch-up and chat, but that doesn't mean we always feel able to be honest about how we really feel" - Simon Gunning
Tom Rainsford, the Managing Director of Beavertown Brewery, highlighted the potential role of pubs as safe and inclusive spaces where individuals might feel more comfortable engaging in conversations about mental health. By fostering such opportunities for open dialogue, it becomes crucial to address the stigma surrounding mental wellbeing within these establishments.