Why It's Good to Talk It Out

Our feelings play a powerful role in how we behave and connect with others. When we bottle them up, emotions can build, become overwhelming, or even come out in ways we don’t expect or intend. Talking about how we feel helps us make sense of those emotions—and often helps us feel better, too.

“I feel...”

These two small words can feel huge. It’s not always easy to talk about how we’re feeling, and there are lots of reasons we might hold back:

• It might feel too painful to open up

• We worry about burdening others

• We’re afraid people might get upset, judge us, or reject us

• We think we’ll be seen as weak or unprofessional

• We don’t want to admit we’re struggling—even to ourselves

So we push our feelings aside and try to just get on with it—until, one day, we can’t.

You’re not alone

Notice how many of us have felt this way? You're not alone. Many people struggle to speak up about their feelings, especially when they’re going through a tough time. But talking it out isn’t a weakness—it’s an act of strength. It’s a way of taking control, of helping yourself heal, and of inviting support.

Sharing how you feel doesn’t mean you’re falling apart. It means you’re human. And connecting with others—especially during hard times—is part of what helps us get through them.

Finding the right time and person

It’s normal to feel anxious about starting a conversation. The most important thing is finding someone you trust and feel safe with—whether that’s a friend, family member, colleague, health professional, or even someone completely outside your usual circle.

Some people find it easier to open up over text, on the phone, or while doing something else (like going for a walk or cooking together). Others prefer to sit down and talk face-to-face.

Whatever works best for you, try to choose a time when you won’t be interrupted. You don’t need to have everything figured out—just sharing what’s on your mind can make a big difference.

And if the first conversation doesn’t go as hoped, don’t give up. There are always other people to talk to, including trained professionals and helplines that offer a safe, non-judgemental space.

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Talking is a healthy habit – It’s not just for when things go wrong. Opening up helps others understand us and builds stronger relationships.

2. It’s not all doom and gloom – Talking about our feelings includes sharing joy, love, gratitude, and excitement too. Positive emotions are worth expressing!

3. It supports your mental health – Regularly talking about how you feel can help reduce stress, lift your mood, and build resilience.

If you're struggling or just need to talk to someone, you can call the Samaritans free, 24/7, on 116 123.

Our sources and for more information: nhs.uk headstogether.org.uk

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