Bell Lets Talk Day January 31st 2018
Today, January 31st is Bell Let’s Talk Day. It marks the 8th year of the initiative dedicated to moving mental health forward in Canada. On Bell Let’s Talk Day, Bell will donate towards mental health initiatives in Canada, by contributing 5¢ for every applicable text, call, tweet, social media video view and use of our Facebook frame or Snapchat filter. Bell’s total donation to mental health programs now stands at $86,504,429.05 and they are well on their way to donating at least $100 million through 2020.
One of the biggest challenges in addressing mental health issues is that people prefer not to talk about it because of stigma. Bell is trying to end this stigma by supporting the mental health initiatives and encouraging people to talk to others about mental health and mental illness.
So what is mental health? According to Canadian Mental Health Association, it means striking a balance in all aspects of your life: social, physical, spiritual, economic and mental. Reaching a balance is a learning process. At times, you may tip the balance too much in one direction and have to find your footing again. Your personal balance will be unique, and your challenge will be to stay mentally healthy by keeping that balance.[1]
Mental illness is a disease or sickness, just like any other physical illness. It causes mild to severe disturbances in thought and/or behavior, resulting in an inability to cope with life’s ordinary demands and routines. It can take many forms. Mental illnesses are still feared and misunderstood by many people, but the fear will disappear as people learn more about them. If you, or someone you know, has a mental illness, there is good news: all mental illnesses can be treated.[2]
Whether it is mental illness or mental health, Health Vantis stands to help with ending stigma and keep the conversation open about mental health issues. You can help by participating in Bell Lets Talk today in 5 ways:
- Consider the language you use in mental health conversations. Words matter!
- Educate yourself about mental health and mental illness
- Be kind. You do not know another person’s life or circumstances, so their behavior may be strange to you yet it may be a sign of distress for them.
- Listen and ask. Express your concern and compassion and offer help
- Break the silence. Talk about it in a positive way.
More information about Bell Lets Talk day can be found here.
[1] https://cmha.ca/resources
[2] https://cmha.ca/mental-health/understanding-mental-illness