2 weeks Ago By [email protected] (Lauren Edwards)
A study of 2,000 adults has found that 20% are more likely to discuss their feelings during a long drive. However, the majority of respondents (46%) rated walking as the best time to open up, while 24% preferred to talk over a meal. Interestingly, 30% chose to share their emotions over the phone, avoiding face-to-face reactions.
The research was commissioned by Three UK in support of Samaritans' ' Dawn Walk ', part of their partnership with the charity. To mark World Mental Health Day next month, the Dawn Walk is a 5k challenge taking place from the 10th to the 13th of October, promoting wellbeing and raising funds for the life-saving service. Juliet Callaghan from Three UK commented: "Research suggests that people tend to prefer opening up whilst doing an activity.
Walking provides an opportunity for those who find it hard to articulate feelings face-to-face to open up and be vulnerable." The study also revealed that 34% of adults struggle to express their feelings because they don't want to burden others, 32% find it uncomfortable, and 26% fear judgement if they share their deepest concerns. Interestingly, a third (32%) are comfortable sharing personal experiences with someone they've just met, such as a trained professional.
Most people are comfortable being on the receiving end of an emotional conversation, with 72% saying they're okay responding to someone's feelings if they open up, according to a OnePoll survey. The poll also found that 58% of respondents have a strong support system of people they can talk to when they need it. However, only 20% feel very confident in their ability to express their feelings verbally.
Juliet Callaghan from Three UK, which has partnered with Samaritans since April 2021, said: "It can be hard to take the leap to talk about how you feel." She added: "In today's fast-paced world , many people find it easier to open up over the phone rather than in face-to-face conversations." "Without the pressure of maintaining eye contact or observing immediate reactions, people often feel more comfortable sharing what's on their minds.
" The top 10 places where Brits feel comfortable opening up include: Going for a walk Over a drink/ in the pub Anywhere outside in nature Over a meal A long drive Talking on the phone rather than face-to-face Online/ over chat (e.g. WhatsApp or Messenger) Via text Driving on a short journey In the workplace / At my place of work Samaritans' top listening tips (SHUSH): Show you care : focus on the other person, make eye contact, remove all distractions Have patience: it may take time and several attempts before someone is ready to open up Use open questions: that need more than a yes/no answer and follow up, e.
g. ‘Tell me more’ Say it back: to show you’ve understood, but don’t interrupt or offer a solution Have courage: don’t be put off by a negative response and don’t feel like you have to fill silence.
