Breaking the ‘fine’ cycle: How to ask twice and support mental wellbeing

Research released by Time to Change reveals that, when asked, over three quarters (78%) of us would tell friends and family we are “fine” even if struggling with a mental health problem.

‘’How are you?’’

We all hear it several times a day but the chances are your response is always the same – ‘’Fine thanks, how are you?’’

It might feel like we’re stuck in a never-ending conversational circle, repeating ourselves rather than offering someone an answer that genuinely reflects our true feelings.

One in four of us will have mental health issues at some point in our life. Nonetheless, according to Time to Change study, more than three-quarters of us (78%) would tell friends and family that we’re alright, even if we’re dealing with a mental health issue.

So, how often do you ask twice? Let’s assume something is up with your significant other. Perhaps they’ve become withdrawn from everyone and everything around them. How do you deviate from the automatic response of ”I’m fine” to find out what’s really going on? Here are just a few tips on how to ask twice.