On Bell Let’s Talk Day 2018, the entire nation spoke. Your actions resulted in Bell committing more money to mental health and helped Canada become one step closer towards being a country that’s stigma-free.
138,383,995 interactions
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, Wednesday, December 5, 2018
Already the world’s biggest conversation about mental health, Bell Let’s Talk is set to pass a pair of major milestones on Bell Let’s Talk Day 2019 this January 30 – a billion total messages of support for mental health and $100 million in total Bell funding.
Read more
Montréal, Thursday, October 11, 2018
16 local organizations receive $300,000 from the Bell Let’s Talk Community Fund
Read more
Montréal, Tuesday, October 2, 2018
College students in Québec will benefit from a joint $500,000 donation from Bell Let's Talk and The Rossy Family Foundation aimed at easing the transition from secondary school into a college environment.
Read more
Calgary, Tuesday, October 2, 2018
You can take a free, anonymous depression screening test online during Mental Illness Awareness Week October 1-7, thanks to Calgary Counselling Centre and partners like Bell Let’s Talk.
Read more