Thanks to your support, total Bell Let’s Talk funding now stands at $100,695,763.75, with more than 1 billion messages of support sent.
Find out where the funds goStigma 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.
Ottawa, Tuesday, October 8, 2019
This week through October 12, Canadians from coast to coast to coast are taking part in Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW). MIAW is an annual national public education campaign by the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) designed to help open the eyes of Canadians to the reality of mental illness.
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Whitehorse, Tuesday, October 8, 2019
As a recipient of a 2018 Bell Let’s Talk Community Fund grant, the Yukon-based BYTE: Empowering Youth has expanded their suicide awareness initiative to youth in 7 communities in Yukon and the Northwest Territories.
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Calgary, Tuesday, October 8, 2019
Canadians can take a free, anonymous depression screening test online during Mental Illness Awareness Week. Calgary Counselling Centre, with help from partners like Bell Let’s Talk, will offer the short online test as a way to elevate awareness of depression and encourage those who are struggling to seek help.
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Toronto, Tuesday, October 8, 2019
Jack.org has created a new resource for youth called Be There. Be There is a comprehensive and engaging free online resource where young people can learn how to support each other through mental health struggles.
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