How Do I Talk About my Mental Health Without Feeling Like a Burden?
Have you ever sat with someone you trust (a friend, a partner, maybe even a family member) and felt like you needed to talk about something, but your brain jumps in with thoughts like:
“Don’t ruin the mood.”
“They’ve got enough going on.”
“Just get on with it.”
So you swallow it down, and you carry it alone.
With Time to Talk Day coming up this week, it feels like the perfect moment to gently shine a light on something so many of us quietly struggle with: The fear of being “too much”.
Here in the UK, we’re brilliant at putting on a brave face. We’ve long been taught to cope, push through, and not make a fuss (although thankfully this narrative is slowly shifting). What that often means though, is we end up carrying huge emotional loads that were never meant to be carried solo.
Talking about how you feel isn’t being dramatic, it isn’t attention-seeking, and it definitely isn’t a burden. It’s just being human.
Here are a few gentle, mindful ways to start opening up, without overwhelming yourself or anyone else.
1. Start Small (You Don’t Have to Tell Your Whole Story)
You don’t need to pour everything out in one go.
Sometimes a simple
“I’ve been feeling a bit overwhelmed lately — can I just share something?”
is enough to open the door. This is what I call a micro-share. It tests the waters and makes it feel safe for both of you.
You’re not dumping - you’re inviting that conversation.
2. Describe What You’re Noticing, Not Who You “Are”
Instead of saying “I am anxious”, try “I’m noticing a lot of anxious thoughts today”.
That tiny shift is powerful.
Mindfulness teaches us that feelings and thoughts move and change - they aren’t who we are.
When you speak from that place, it feels less heavy and more manageable.
3. Say What You Need (Before Advice Arrives)
A lot of people don’t open up because they’re scared of being “fixed”.
So try this:
“I don’t need solutions - I just need someone to listen.”
It takes the pressure off you and them. Being heard is part of healing.
4. Pause Before You Speak
Before you start talking, take three slow breaths. Then gently ask yourself:
"What is the one thing I most need to say right now?”
You don’t have to unload everything. Just one honest thing is enough.
5. Let Listening be Enough
If someone opens up to you, resist the urge to rush in with positivity or advice. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can offer is:
“I’m here. I hear you.”
No fixing required.
6. Make Talking Normal - Not an Emergency
Don’t wait until you’re at breaking point.
I always recommend a simple weekly 10-minute check-in with someone you trust:
One thing that went well
One thing that felt hard
That’s it. Small, regular conversations stop feelings from piling up.
Summary
We are all trying to navigate this messy, beautiful, complicated human life. None of us has it perfectly figured out. So if your mind feels noisy right now, please remember this:
You are allowed to take up space.
Your feelings matter.
You are not a burden.
And if you don’t know where to start, or everything feels tangled in your head, you might like to book a free 15 minute chat with me to see how I can help you. I offer mindset coaching, and can gently guide you on your journey.
