This upcoming Tuesday, February 12th is the third annual “Let’s Talk” day, sponsored by Bell. For every text message sent and each long-distance call made on this day by Bell customers, Bell will donate 5 cents to mental health related initiatives. For those who aren’t a Bell customer, 5 cents will also be donated for every tweet that uses #BellLetsTalk and every Facebook share of Bell’s Let’s Talk image.
The Bell Let’s Talk Community Fund is part of the Bell Mental Health Initiative, a $50 million multi-year national program in support of mental health. Anti-stigma is one of the key components to Let’s Talk day. In addition to raising funds for mental health initiatives, the campaign is strongly addressing raising awareness and encouraging Canadians to openly participate in discussions surrounding mental health. Olympian Clara Hughes is once again supporting this campaign, having struggled with mental health issues herself.
The Facts:
- 1 in 5 Canadians will experience a form of mental illness at some point in their lives.
- 2 in 3 people suffer in silence fearing judgment and rejection.
- Only 49% of Canadians said they would socialize with a friend who has a serious mental illness.
- 27% of Canadians are fearful of being around people who suffer from serious mental illness.
- Mood and anxiety disorders impact an estimated 22% of the Canadian population.
- At any given time, almost 3 million Canadians have serious depression
- Once depression is recognized, help can make a difference for 80% of people who are affected, allowing them to get back to their regular activities.
(Source: Canadian Institute of Health Research, Canadian Medical Association, Canadian Mental Health Association)
I have spent much of my adolescent years trying to hide from other people the fact that I myself have suffered with mental health issues. I used to think it was something I should be embarrassed of, something that since others couldn’t quite grasp, I would be judged for. I am not ashamed of it anymore. My mental illness does NOT define who I am – it is merely a small part of me, a part that thankfully, with help, I have been able to overcome.
Though it took me a while to realize it, I should not have been afraid to open up to people about my illness. It’s because of this fear to talk about these issues that mental health awareness is not as high as it should be. But it is campaigns such as “Let’s Talk” that have and will continue to make a difference, and allow people to get the help that they need and deserve. By engaging in conversation about mental health with families, friends, and co-workers, you are helping to break down the barriers to mental health.
You are never alone.
LET’S TALK!