This year on Bell Let’s Talk Day, Bell contributed 5¢ towards mental health initiatives by counting every text, call, tweet, Instagram post, Facebook video view and Snapchat geofilter. Your actions resulted in Bell committing $6,585,250 more for mental health.
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. Starting a conversation is the first step towards eliminating stigma.
Know the facts, be kind, be a good listener and friend. Be part of the conversation to eliminate stigma once and for all.
Sometimes it can be hard dealing with the symptoms of mental illness, however, there are things we can do to help take care of ourselves. It might be reading a book, going for a jog or talking with a friend. Different things work for different people.
Hear from our Bell Let’s Talk team about things they do to help take care of themselves and their mental health.
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Learn how you can reach out and spread the word on Bell Let's Talk Day. The more you talk, text and spread the word on social media, the more Bell invests in mental health. Even the smallest action can lead to a big impact!
