It’s a small word, with BIG potential when it comes to mental health. As a precursor to cathartic and therapeutic conversations and relationships, not to mention an antidote to loneliness, its role in mental wellbeing (our own, and others’) is crucial. Without those random and regular ‘hellos’ we give and receive on a daily basis, many truths and feelings would go unspoken (to the detriment of those who are harbouring them) and many fulfilling relationships would not be forged or continued. By opening doors to dialogue between friends, family, acquaintances and strangers, ‘hello’ can go a long way towards lessening the weight of worries, anxiety and isolation that can easily accumulate without the opportunity of an outlet. So, whether it’s in text, email or face to face format, don’t underestimate the importance of a ‘hello’ this World Hello Day. Some would call it ‘touching base.’ Others would say ‘checking in.’ The common denominator is the opening or maintaining of a (life) line of communication. Saying ‘hello’ creates a tide, which when taken at the flood, leads on to fortune (to adapt William Shakespeare’s infamous quote). Fortune in this case is the unburdening of the mind, and the halving of problems in a way that only sharing can.