We all need to take care of our mental health and I believe that most of us live with both happy and sad feelings. We humans need to talk and listen more openly.

But, for those of us who do not have a traditional family to talk to, who can we start a conversation with?

I think the answer is: anyone. It could be a friendly shop assistant, or someone you meet whilst on a walk or at a café.

I like to walk along the seafront, for instance, and when I do, I frequently start a conversation with a stranger – almost every time I’m reminded that most of us are struggling, against the odds, to keep on top of our wellbeing. We are not alone in how we are feeling…

Yesterday I got talking and listening to a lady I’ll call “Sarah” and the conversation simply started with a smile. Sarah seemed happy, but actually she’d endured the most tragic loss. She’d lost her only child suddenly in unforeseen circumstances. As she opened up to me about her harrowing loss, all I had to give her was a listening ear. Our conversation led to cuddles, warmth and empathy.

When we make connections, we often feel a tingly sensation on the back of our heads or necks. It’s the human connection that we all benefit from experiencing, and apart from anything, when we communicate with other people it reminds us that most of us live with both happy and sad feelings. Try and offer up a “hello” or a friendly smile to someone this week – you never know what conversations you may start.