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.
York Region, Wednesday, May 18, 2022
Moksha Canada Foundation shares how they will provide mental health support to racialized and/or newcomer youth in Ontario’s York Region through free drop-in counselling sessions with a qualified therapist specializing in cultural adjustment and a support group facilitated by a community Youth Outreach Worker.
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Waterloo, Tuesday, May 10, 2022
Crow Shield Lodge shares how they will support traditional healing for Indigenous communities by taking a holistic approach that incorporates sweat lodge ceremony, community circles, and land-based work.
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Montréal, Tuesday, May 3, 2022
In celebration of Mental Health Week, Bell Let’s Talk today announced $500,000 in new grants from the Bell Let’s Talk Diversity Fund to support 6 more organizations working to improve access to mental health care for members of Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) communities in Canada.
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Montréal, Tuesday, May 3, 2022
Bell Let's Talk Diversity Fund partner African Canadian Development and Prevention Network shares how they are working to expand access to mental health services in their community.
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