Today is Bell Let's talk day
Today is Bell let's talk day.
Bell will donate more towards metal health initiatives in Canada by contributing 5c for every applicable text, call, tweet or retweet, social media video and and use of their Facebook frame or snapchat filter. Let's work together to make a positive change!
41, 391, 269 over all interactions thus far!! Way to go!! Let's make that number 41, 391, 269 larger!
Our Initiatives
In September 2010, Bell Let’s Talk began a new conversation about Canada’s mental health. At that time, most people were not talking about mental illness. But the numbers spoke volumes about the urgent need for action. Millions of Canadians, including leading personalities, engaged in an open discussion about mental illness, offering new ideas and hope for those who struggle, with numbers growing every year.
As a result, institutions and organizations large and small in every region received new funding for access, care and research from Bell Let’s Talk and from governments and corporations that have joined the cause. Bell’s total donation to mental health programs now stands at $100,695,763.75.
4 pillars
Dedicated to moving mental health forward in Canada, Bell Let’s Talk promotes awareness and action with a strategy built on 4 key pillars: Fighting the stigma, improving access to care, supporting world-class research and leading by example in workplace mental health.
Anti-stigma
One of the biggest hurdles for anyone suffering from mental illness is overcoming the stigma attached to it. The annual Bell Let’s Talk awareness campaign and Day is driving the national conversation to help reduce this stigma and promote awareness and understanding, and talking is an important first step towards lasting change.
Mental health affects us all
In their words: stories from people impacted by mental illness. Discover their stories below.
Chloe Chow
Like most young people, Chloe began to ask big questions about her future in her late teens. She felt pressure to offer something meaningful to the world but didn’t feel she was being her authentic self when trying to follow the status quo. Although Chloe was preoccupied with ruminating thoughts that made her anxious and depressed, she kept things to herself. Everyone else was always showing their best side, so she preferred to keep quiet about her dark emotions. Her feelings of depression would come and go, right up to the time she started university. Things then worsened, as the pressure to succeed increased along with a heightened uncertainty about what she wanted to do post-graduation. Chloe would miss classes, preferring to sleep rather than stay awake. She felt terribly depressed and was frustrated with herself for feeling this way. With her mother’s support, she sought help. Finding the right professional to help her get better was not easy, but she succeeded after several tries. In therapy, she regained her sense of self-worth and was able to understand, accept and redirect her negative thought patterns. She also came to understand that it was okay to want to fit in with social expectations one day and to want to run away from them the next. Chloe had come to own her true self.
In her final year of University, an announcement on social media grabbed Chloe’s attention. A student wanted to set up an initiative to help students with mental health issues. The idea was to create free, quick and accessible opportunities to talk to a neutral party for an hour. This resonated with Chloe, as it was exactly what she would have benefited from in the past. She quickly expressed her interest in getting involved and co-founded Vent Over Tea, an active listening service that takes place in Montréal cafes. Two years ago, Chloe set out to experience community-based lifestyles abroad. She spent time living off the grid with a sustainable community in the Panamanian jungle and joined a team of people living and working together on an education start-up in Rio de Janeiro. She has learned that her mental health is at its best when she adopts a community-based approach to life. Now back in Montreal, Chloe leads a Client Success team for a Montreal Start-Up, but dedicates most of her free time to organizing low-cost community events, workshops and meet-ups in an effort to build a supportive and engaged local community. After many years of resistance to antidepressants, last year Chloe decided to give them a try. A year later, Chloe is grateful for the support she’s received from her psychiatrist and is grateful to live a balanced life supported by her new medication.
Étienne Boulay
A popular sports personality recognized for his involvement with young people, Étienne Boulay made football his passion. The sport allowed him to reach great heights in professional sport and earn significant distinctions, including three Grey Cups in 2009, 2010, and 2012.
Étienne Boulay retired from football in June 2013 with the intention of launching a media career. It was a smart bet. Les Testeurs, a show he co-hosted for four years with Patrice Bélanger on VRAK, propelled him to stardom among young viewers and garnered him a Gala Artis award nomination in the “Meilleur animateur jeunesse” (best youth show host) category, as well as four Gémeaux award nominations in 2014. After working on several television projects, he made the leap to radio in 2017, participating regularly in “Véronique et les Fantastiques”, a show on Rouge FM.
However, his career really took off in 2018, when it was announced that he would host a new show, Liens Rompus on MOI&CIE, as well as co-host Bootcamp: Le Parcours de l’Extrême a show on V. 2018 was also marked by the publication of his biography, “Le parcours d’un battant”, and the release of a documentary by the same name. In 2019, he will host the show Naufragés de l’amour on Canal Vie for a second year in a row.
Since 2015, Étienne has published three novels for his youth series, Touchdown, in addition to managing popular Web platform Ma Famille Mon Chaos, a discussion, entertainment and information forum for parents.
A devoted father and an authentic, athletic and imperfect person, Étienne is omnipresent on his social media platforms, which he updates every morning and evening with a good dose of humour.
Michel
Michel counts himself lucky. He is surrounded by a loving family and old friends, and has a job which he is about passionate about that provides him a good living. He appreciates his stable and comfortable life every single day. He is far from the dark period he lived in his twenties.
In his early twenties, Michel was very industrious. He did well in school and was very involved in many extra-curricular activities. Life was full of excitement but insidiously, a weariness began to overcome him. Everyday moments which once had brought pleasure seemed to lose their meaning. Eventually even his mental and physical capacities began to fail. But, even while Michel was exhausted, enveloped by a profound sadness, a flicker of hope was still alive within him.
As chance would have it, he had a pivotal encounter. He came across someone in the health field who had the right combination of theoretical and practical wisdom. It made sense and he could trust what was being shared. His greatest wish was so simple: he wanted to feel “normal” again, to rediscover life’s daily joys. He had to start by doing the basics: eating, sleeping, and moving. With some help, perseverance and a lot of patience, he also tried a variety of tools that had helped others in the past. He remained open-minded throughout; the recovery process is a long and very personal journey.
Through this long and arduous journey, Michel built his self-confidence back up and learned to accept that he no longer had to aim for perfection. To this day, he continues to savour this change in himself. By being less critical and demanding of himself, he is less stressed and even appreciates the value of his accomplishments. Thanks to this period of introspection, Michel came to understand what was good for him and his overall balance. He continues to savour the joy that the stability of his daily life brings him.
When it comes to mental health, every action counts. Helping to end the stigma around mental illness can help create positive change.
It’s a fact: one in five people in Canada will experience a mental health issue or illness in any given year. One of the biggest hurdles for anyone suffering from mental illness is overcoming the stigma. It is the number one reason why two-thirds of those living with a mental illness do not seek help.
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 that keeps too many who struggle with mental illness from seeking the help they need.
Language
matters
The words you use can make all the difference. Words can help, but they can also hurt. What would you choose?
Words to watch out for:
- Schizo
- Crazy
- Person with schizophrenia
- Person with a mental illness
Educate
yourself
Stigma has been around for a long time, and knowing the facts and myths about mental illness can be a great way to help end the stigma. Read about facts and myths, and become a stigma buster.
Be
Kind
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 up the conversation and let someone know you are there for them.
Expressions like “You’ll get over it” and “Just relax” can minimize how a person is feeling. Instead offer your support and say “I’m sorry you aren’t feeling well.” Ask what you can do to help.
Listen
and ask
Mental illness is a very common form of human pain and suffering. Being a good listener and asking how you can help, sometimes just even being there for people you care about, can be the first step in recovery.
Here are a few examples of what to ask:
- I’m sorry you aren’t feeling well.
- I’ve noticed you’ve seemed down lately.
- Is everything OK?
- How can I help?
Talk about it
Break the silence. Mental illness touches us all in some way directly or through a friend, family member or colleague. Stories of people who have experienced mental health issues and who are doing well can really challenge stereotypes. Most people with mental health issues can and do recover, just by talking about it.
Other
helpful tips
To help you be part of the conversation, the Bell Let’s Talk Conversation Guide was created. It provides information and resources on how you can facilitate a conversation in your community, as well as guidelines on how to have conversations with people you care about and may be concerned about.
Toolkit
Start a conversation in your community. Get all the information you need to start a conversation about mental health.
Conversation Guide
Sometimes it’s hard to talk about mental illness. Knowing what to say or how to say it isn’t obvious. To help you, we’ve created a Conversation Guide that can be used to lead your own discussion about mental health or talk with someone you might be concerned about.
National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace
According to the Mental Health Commission, on any given week, more than 500,000 Canadians are unable to go to work due to mental health problems.
It is for this reason that we encourage you to create a working environment that supports the overall mental well-being of your employees. In the PDF below, you will find information about the National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace.
Taking Positive Action
Bell Let’s Talk launched in 2010 with a focus on building awareness, acceptance and action in mental health. Since then Canadians have taken the conversation around mental health to remarkable heights, making it clear that mental health matters.
In a recent survey conducted by Nielsen Consumer Insights in 2019, 84% of Canadians now say they are comfortable speaking with others about mental health, compared to only 42% in 2012. It’s time to build on that increased awareness and acceptance and put a greater focus on action to create positive change in our schools, workplaces, and communities.
Through the 2020 Bell Let’s Talk Day campaign, we are featuring 8 outstanding Canadian organizations taking action by providing supports and services to make a difference for people experiencing mental health challenges. You can learn more about each of these organizations below.
For information on the hundreds of projects that Bell Let’s Talk has supported across Canada, please click here.
Strongest Families Institute
Bell Let’s Talk, Northwestel and the Government of the Northwest Territories donate $500,000 to Strongest Families Institute to provide mental health services for children, youth, adults and families throughout the Northwest Territories.
Peguis Foundation
Bell Let's Talk supports at-risk youth in Peguis First Nation with the Bell Spirit and the Land Excursion Camp. Bell Let's Talk announced a donation of $110,000 to the Peguis Foundation and SunLodge Village to support a 4-season land-based traditional wellness program for at-risk youth in Peguis First Nation.
William Osler Health System Foundation
Bell Let's Talk announced a donation of $420,000 to William Osler Health System (Osler) to support a new repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) Clinic at Osler's Brampton Civic Hospital. The clinic is part of Osler's innovative Stepped Care Program that provides leading-edge, high-intensity treatment for patients with mental illness.
la Fondation de ma vie
Bell Let's Talk announced a donation of $225,000 to Fondation de ma vie for the refurbishment of 5 psychiatric departments at 3 hospitals in Saguenay‒Lac-Saint-Jean. Bell's donation, along with a $75,000 investment by the Fondation, will have a meaningful impact on patients and their families in the region, enhancing the support available close to home.
Strongest Families Institute
Bell Let’s Talk and the Manitoba government donate a joint $1 million over 5 years to the Strongest Families Institute (SFI) to expand mental health services for children, youth and their families throughout Manitoba. SFI is an award-winning organization delivering evidence-based programs for children, youth and families dealing with mild to moderate mental illness and other health issues. Its unique distance coaching approach, which offers support for families day or night and in the privacy of their own homes, is also the only program of its kind in the country with a no-waitlist policy for families with children and youth.
Bear Clan Patrol
Bell Let's Talk and the City of Winnipeg donate a combined $200,000 to Bear Clan Patrol, the community-based organization providing safety and belonging, mental wellness support, conflict resolution and crime prevention for vulnerable people in the community. Funding will help Bear Clan Patrol expand patrol coverage, grow its food distribution program and add a new resource for the counselling program.
Université du Québec à Montréal
A $500,000 donation to the Centre for Research and Intervention on Suicide, Ethical Issues and End-of-Life Practices (CRISE) at the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) will be used to develop a first of its kind project aimed at preventing suicide by making optimal use of today’s digital communications tools.
CHEO
A $300,000 donation to CHEO, a pediatric health and research centre in Ottawa, will support the Choice and Partnership Approach (CAPA), a program to help reduce wait times and improve access to mental health care. CAPA decreases wait times and streamlines service delivery, empowering patients and families to be stewards of their own mental health through collaboration with clinicians to determine the optimum treatment plan.
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