Stigma can often prevent those struggling with a mental illness from seeking the help they need. Developed in partnership with Dr. Heather Stuart, the Bell Canada Mental Health and Anti-stigma Research Chair at Queen's University, here are 5 simple ways to help end the stigma and initiate a conversation.
The words you use can make all the difference. Words can help, but they can also hurt. What would you choose?
When it comes to mental illness, education is key. Having the right tools, knowing the right words to use and understanding how to correctly speak with someone experiencing a mental illness can make all the difference. View the Bell Let’s Talk Toolkit
Simple kindness can make a world of a difference. Whether it be a smile, being a good listener or an invitation for a chat over coffee, these simple acts of kindness can help open up the conversation and let someone know you’re there for them.
Expressions like “You’ll get over it” and “Just relax” can hurt more than help. Instead, offer your support and say “I’m sorry you aren’t feeling well” or better yet, ask what you can do to help.
Mental illness is a very common form of human pain and suffering. Being a good listener and asking how you can help or simply just being there for people you care about can be the first step to recovery.
Here are a few examples of what to ask:
Two out of three people suffer in silence, fearing judgement and rejection. Being open to a conversation is the first step towards eliminating the stigma.
Know the facts, be kind, be a good listener and a friend. Be part of the conversation to eliminate the stigma once and for all.
Montréal , Thursday, March 26, 2020
Donations totalling $5 million to address urgent need for increased resources with support for Canadian Red Cross, Canadian Mental Health Association, Kids Help Phone, Revivre and Strongest Families Institute.
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Montréal, Monday, March 9, 2020
Bell today announced the extension of the Bell Let’s Talk initiative to 2025 and an increase in Bell’s total funding commitment for mental health to at least $150 million. As we kick off the next 5 years of Bell Let’s Talk, Bell and the Graham Boeckh Foundation today also unveiled a $10 million partnership to support integrated youth mental health and wellness services across Canada.
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Montréal, Monday, March 9, 2020
Our newest Bell Let's Talk partner Aire ouverte is making a difference in the lives of youth in Québec. Watch to learn more.
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Montreal, Thursday, January 30, 2020
Canadians and people around the globe joined in on Bell Let’s Talk Day, the world’s largest conversation on mental health. Here are some notable posts that caught our attention as part of the conversation on the 10th annual Bell Let’s Talk Day.
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