Open or Closed Questions?

Hello there! As a mental health trainer for small businesses and charity organizations, I understand the importance of creating a supportive environment for those struggling with mental health issues. One way to do this is by using open questions during discussions with employees or volunteers. Open questions encourage people to share their thoughts and feelings, making them an effective tool for creating a safe and supportive space.

Something that comes up in the role of a Mental Health First Aider – is information gathering during supportive conversations. You need to find out how someone is feeling, and open questions are a great tool to do just that.

So, what are open questions?

Simply put, open questions are questions that cannot be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.” They encourage the person being asked to elaborate and provide more detail. Open questions help to create a dialogue, as opposed to a monologue, which can be especially helpful when discussing sensitive topics like mental health.

Here are some examples of open questions that you can use during a supportive discussion:

As you can see, open questions can help to draw out more detailed responses and encourage the person being asked to explore their thoughts and feelings in more depth. They can be a powerful tool in creating a supportive environment.

Of course, it’s important to remember that open questions should be asked in a non-judgmental and empathetic manner. It’s really helpful to be an active listener, allowing people to express themselves fully without interrupting or imposing your own opinions or ideas. What works for you, won’t always work for someone else.

How can you use more open questions?

If you’re not used to using open questions, it feels awkward if you just jam them in everywhere! Try to practice them in everyday conversations. Try asking open questions during casual conversations with friends and family to get a feel for how they work. Imagine you’re a detective if you have to – whatever works for you!

Additionally, if you’re a small business owner or volunteer for a charity organization, it may be helpful to take a First Aid for Mental Health training course to learn more about how to support those struggling with mental health issues. Not only will you learn abo the signs and symptoms that someone is struggling with a mental health condition, but you’ll also learn more about when to use open questions, and how to structure supportive conversations properly.

In conclusion, open questions can be an effective tool for creating a supportive environment for those struggling with mental health issues. They’re also a great conversation tool! By asking open questions, you encourage dialogue and help people feel heard and understood. When people feel genuinely heard and understood, without judgement; they’re more likely to keep opening up. It also builds trust – which is essential to building stronger teams at work.

If you’re interested in learning more about how to support those struggling with mental health issues, consider taking a First Aid for Mental Health training course. Together, we can create a more supportive and empathetic world.