Today is #BellLetsTalk Day, which provides an opportunity to have a conversation about Canada’s mental health. Bell Let’s Talk Day started in September 2010, at a time when most people were not open to talking about mental illness, and it was identified that urgent action needed to be taken. As a result, millions of Canadians, including celebrities and leading personalities, began to engage in open conversations about mental illness. This has led to new ideas and hope for those who struggle with mental health issues.

One of the biggest hurdles for anyone suffering from a mental illness is overcoming the stigma attached to it. The annual Bell Let’s Talk awareness campaign is driving the national conversation to help reduce this stigma and promote awareness and understanding while encouraging Canadians to take the important first step towards lasting change.

What can we do?

• Use respectful language
• Educate ourselves to help end the stigma
• Be kind and take care of each other
• Listen and ask. Check in with people to see if they are okay and listen
• Talk about it

Simple kindness can make a world of difference, whether it be a smile, being a good listener or an invitation for coffee and a chat, these simple acts of kindness can help open the conversation and let someone know you are there for them.

For more information and resources check out the Bell Let’s Talk Website. We can all do our part in helping to support people who are struggling and end the stigma attached to mental illness.

https://letstalk.bell.ca/en/