Mental Health Support Through Communication

Mental Health Support Through Communication in CMX Chat

Times have changed and we see each other face to face far less often, so online communities like CMX Chat and CMX Chat’s Discord Channel have become vital spaces for support and connection, particularly concerning our mental health. Our platforms allow for our chatters to share their experiences, and chat away freely, which are all crucial for our emotional well-being. We need people to vent to, people to talk through our issues with and someone to pick us up when times get tough. 

The benefits of discussing feelings really cannot be over-estimated. Remember that saying as a child “a problem shared is a problem halved”? – it’s true. Sometimes hearing your thoughts out loud or even seeing them in text in front of you, can be enough to lighten that mental load. When we talk about struggling with mental wellbeing, we all talk about our “glass being full” and needing to empty it, but perhaps a more accurate way to describe it, is like rock climbing. You can see the top, and you can see little ledges to hold onto to help you get there, but it’s hard, it’s overwhelming and it’s exhausting.

• So now, imagine someone is at the top, and has already climbed it. They start by simply being there, as proof that it can be done.
• Next, they start cheering you on and telling you that they believe in you.
• Then they point out what ledges they used to get up, what ones they found were less helpful and what ones they wished they had used.
• Next, they find you a rope, and throw it down to you. They tie it around their waste and offer you their hand.

Already, with only one person’s kindness, how much closer are you, not only to the top, but to just facing the climb in the first place?

This is the power of help and support, and this is the power of sharing your problems.

At CMX Chat, we strive to be a space where our users can freely express their feelings and experiences related to mental health. With such a diverse group of people, you will struggle to find someone who can’t relate to you – our chatters are amazing people!

The Science Behind Talking Therapies

The scientists know what they are on about! Research has consistently shown that talking therapy effectiveness is significantly higher in community settings. Positive conversations, where we all help each other and hear each other out, is so important and at CMX Chat, we want to make sure everyone can find supportive conversations for mental health that are accessible anytime, in our free online chat room. Being a Global chat site, there is always someone online, even if it is 3am your time, it’s 1pm somewhere else!

Talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy, are proven to effectively treat mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. One key finding was that community settings, are far easier to access and also break the stigma of the topic. The “Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT)” program in the UK, is a successful example of talking therapies in a community setting. This program showed improvements in outcomes for patients, through shorter waiting times and increased recovery rates, thus, reinforcing the important role of conversation in mental recovery.

However, this same study found that minority groups were less-likely to self refer into these sorts of programmes due to a concern that there would be a religious or community based sense of shame or that they would not be as accepted as other ethnic groups. Well, at CMX Chat, we invite people from all over the world, no matter what race, religion, gender, ethnicity etc you are. We are here for you, and we want to talk things through.

Creating a Safe Space for Mental Health Conversations

One of the core strengths of CMX Chat is its commitment to creating a supportive environment for mental conversations. Our Moderators and community-regulars keep our discussions respectful and constructive, providing a safe space for everyone, without fear of judgment or embarrassment. We actively work to overcome stigma of any kind that is associated with mental health. As we encourage open and honest discussions, our chatter community proudly takes part in helping break down the barriers of silence that often surround mental health issues. Plus, our Moderators are all incredibly emotionally intelligent, and so is our AI! so if you need to reach out to them, they are here. Equally, if the conversation is not being supportive, they will step in to ensure you feel safe and respected.

Practical Tips for Incorporating More Conversations into Your Life:

1. Small Daily Interactions: Start small. Every step is a step forward. This could be as simple as saying “Hello” in our Lounge, or “I will call a friend during my lunch break at work.”

2. Join a Group that Reflects who you are: Look for groups or clubs that reflect something you are interested in. Whether it’s gaming, writing, gardening, sports, drawing, anime, or reading there will be something out there that interests you. If going out in public is too much, find an online community. CMX Chat often run competitions for writing, photography, art etc, so if there is a community that interests you, you will likely find it. If not, reach out to us and we will try to connect you with some like minded people.

3. Practice Active Listening: Active listening is key to engaging in meaningful conversations. Show interest in what others are saying by nodding, maintaining eye contact if you can, and asking relevant questions in response. This keeps the conversation going and shows the other person that you are interested in them, too.

4. Regularly Be Social: Make a habit of scheduling regular catch-ups with friends or family. Perhaps a weekly dinner, coffee meet-ups, or just committing to being online for a couple of hours a week, like on CMX Chat, having these things on your calendar can help keep conversation a consistent part of your life.

5. Be Open and Curious: Show curiosity about others’ lives without being too much or intrusive. Ask simple questions about their hobbies, opinions on trending topics, or some of their experiences. These chats can open doors to richer, more engaging conversations.

6. Share Your Own Experiences: Don’t ever hesitate to share your own stories and experiences. People often enjoy conversations that offer new perspectives or relatable or funny tales.

7. Venture to Public Spaces: Spend time in areas within your local community like parks, libraries, or cafes. These places can be great for striking up casual conversations or simply for people watching. Just being around more people can make the thought of talking to others much easier.

The Continuing Journey of Community Support

At CMX Chat we advocate for “communication as mental health therapy.” The ongoing dialogue at all times of night that we offer, not only supports mental health support through communication for individual members but also strengthens the entire community, creating a more mentally aware and empathetic society that is all ours, and yours to be a part of.