The sixth annual Bell “Let’s Talk” Day was held Wednesday, and there definitely was a lot more promotion and awareness of the special event. The “Let’s Talk” Day encourages Canadians to take their conversations around mental health to the next level, and reduce the stigma around mental illnesses.
A number of celebrities rose to the cause, even the new Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, and they opened up their hearts and shared conversations about the impact of mental health in their lives.
It is important to remember the purpose of “Let’s Talk” is to continue to share our stories and encourage people to focus on the simple ways to reduce the stigma around mental illnesses in their communities.
Remember, that language matters, and that it is important to pay attention to the words you use about mental illness. It is also important to remember that mental illnesses can take many forms, just as physical illnesses do. Mental illnesses are still feared and misunderstood by many people, but the fear will disappear as people learn more about them.
We are fortunate that due to the hard work of the Canadian Mental Health Association, their branches and their volunteers, that there are many experienced people who you can turn to for advice. Our own local chapter has an assortment of brochures and outreach programs that are available for anyone.
This ties into the fact that it is important to educate yourself when it comes to mental health. The more you learn, the more you can understand about a mental illness and you might be able to identify signs when someone you care about is struggling.
There is also a wide range of innovative services and supports for people who are experiencing mental illness and their families. These services are tailored to the needs and resources of the communities where they are based.
Another small (but important) step people can take is to be kind. Small acts of kindness speak a lot. Sometimes all a person needs is to know that somebody else cares about them enough to give them a compliment, to congratulate them on a job well done, to be a listening ear, or a helping hand in times of difficulty.
Of course, sometimes it is best to just listen, and be a supportive person who others are comfortable coming to for advice or for assistance. There are also many places where those in need can turn for support, such as the Canadian Mental Health Association.
It is also important to remember that the person who is often the ‘listener’ for problems also need somebody in their lives who will listen to them. It takes a heavy pair of shoulders to be constantly called upon during times of support. If you have someone in your life who is that supportive of you, make sure that they feel appreciated for their time.
Finally, as the whole event suggests, talk about mental health and mental illnesses. Start a dialogue, break the silence, share your stories. Make sure that the conversation continues throughout the year.
By bringing the conversation to the next level — we are all becoming mentally healthier.
