Conversations about mental health are becoming more common – but some topics still feel taboo. These are the “elephants in the room” – experiences that are deeply emotional, yet often left unspoken due to fear, discomfort, or not knowing what to say.

But silence can be isolating. The more we open up about these experiences, the more we can support one another with understanding and empathy.

Why Talk About Cancer in a Mental Health Course?

A cancer diagnosis doesn’t just affect the body – it has a huge impact on mental health, both for the person diagnosed and for their loved ones and colleagues.

In the UK:

• Over 1 in 2 people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.

• Around 900,000 people of working age are living with cancer.

• 85% of those with cancer say it affects their work life – from energy levels and emotional wellbeing to fears about job security and financial stress.

💡 Cancer and mental health are closely linked – people with cancer are at higher risk of anxiety, depression, and PTSD, but often don’t get the emotional support they need at work.

The Hidden Impact in the Workplace

Whether someone is going through treatment, returning to work, or supporting a loved one with cancer, the emotional toll can be huge.

Yet many feel they can’t talk about it – worried about saying the wrong thing, being treated differently, or being seen as “not coping”.

Supporting someone might mean:

• Being patient with changes in mood, energy, or memory

• Offering flexibility and understanding without pity

• Asking how they’d like to be supported, rather than assuming

Other Elephants in the Room

It’s not just cancer. There are several other “taboo” topics that impact mental health but are often avoided in conversation:

💔 Grief & Loss

Whether it’s a family member, friend, colleague, or even a pet, loss affects us all. But many feel pressure to “get over it” quickly.

Grief has no timeline. It changes shape over time, but it doesn’t disappear.

🩺 Chronic Illness & Pain

Living with a long-term condition like MS, fibromyalgia, or Crohn’s disease can be exhausting. The mental toll is real, but because these conditions are often invisible, they’re easily misunderstood.

🍼 Fertility Struggles & Baby Loss

Miscarriage, stillbirth, and infertility can bring overwhelming grief, shame, and loneliness. Yet these experiences are often kept quiet, even though 1 in 4 pregnancies ends in loss.

🌈 Identity & Discrimination

People from LGBTQ+ communities, ethnic minorities, and neurodiverse backgrounds may face stigma, microaggressions, or outright discrimination – all of which impact mental health but are rarely discussed openly at work.

How to Talk About the “Elephants”

You don’t need all the answers – just a willingness to listen without judgement.

Try saying:

• “I don’t know exactly what to say, but I’m here if you want to talk.”

• “That sounds really tough – how can I best support you right now?”

• “You don’t have to go through this alone.”

Avoid saying:

• “At least it’s not worse.”

• “Everything happens for a reason.”

• “You’ll be fine – just stay positive.”

💡 It’s okay to feel unsure – showing up with care and curiosity can go a long way.

Supporting Recovery & Resilience

Whatever someone is going through – cancer, grief, illness, or identity-related stress – there are steps that help build resilience:

• Having honest conversations and feeling heard

• Flexible working and reasonable adjustments

• Access to therapy or counselling

• Time and space to process big emotions

Final Thought

Mental health isn’t always caused by mental illness. Sometimes it’s the result of life being really, really hard.

By acknowledging these “elephants in the room” – and creating space to talk about them – we build kinder, more compassionate workplaces where no one feels invisible in their struggle.

You don’t need to be an expert – you just need to care enough to ask.