Even though approximately 6500 languages are spoken around the globe, people worldwide talk with their hands and feet, wink at each other, smile, jump for joy, and grieve with sagging shoulders. We are constantly exchanging non-verbal messages, whether we want to or not. Sometimes we try to speak other languages and can make ourselves understood using facial expressions and gestures. Sometimes these signals are unequivocal and sometimes we interpret them incorrectly.

Talking to each other – sometimes very simple, sometimes really hard. We all have the need to express ourselves and communicate with others. Nothing is more human than wanting to share both joys and sorrows. While we may wish to discuss certain things, and may be interested in the opinions of others, there are situations in which we simply long for someone who will listen. To be able to talk about something – whatever the situation – we need a listener who will take the time to listen and be there. By implication, talking to each other means not just actively speaking, but also listening. And listening does not mean just waiting until it’s your turn to talk. Rather, it is about listening to understand the other person, so you can empathise and relate. Eye contact and non-verbal gestures such as nodding can be used to signal to the other person that you are actively listening to and processing what is being said.

Talking to each other also means sharing when you are not currently able to have a conversation yourself. This may be because you don’t have the time or the headspace for it, or because you lack the necessary energy. Depending on the situation, you can recommend someone else for the person to talk to or agree another time for the conversation. It is important that you make this explicit and do not simply turn your back on the person who wants to talk to you. Communicating openly is not always easy, and it requires courage. Particularly during the times when our mental health is not good, we are going through a difficult phase or crisis, we are often inhibited about opening up. Although, deep down, we already know that talking about it would help, we close ourselves off to the outside world and don’t have the courage to talk to anyone. Sometimes we just don’t know how. We can’t find the words, so we can’t find the courage either.