Bell Let’s Talk

One in five Canadians suffers from mental illness in their lifetime. People with mental illness, just like any physical illness, require help. However, because of stigma associated with mental health, nearly two-thirds of those with a mental illness cannot seek the help they need.

Today is Bell Let's Talk Day, and its goal is to end stigma and start conversations about mental illness. For every text message sent by Bell Canada, Bell Aliant and Bell MTS customers, Bell will donate 5¢ towards mental health initiatives. The Let's Talk initiative describes "5 simple ways to end stigma" that you can be a part of everyday:

1. Language Matters: be mindful of the words you use. Words like "crazy" and "mental" make it harder for people to feel safe and supported.
2. Educate Yourself: read about facts and myths, and actively educate yourself and others on stigma.
3. Be Kind: don’t tell a person who is struggling to "get over it." Instead be kind and offer your support by saying "I'm sorry you aren't feeling well."
4. Listen and Ask: ask if you notice someone is behaving unlike themselves. Ask how you can help.
5. Talk About It: encourage open conversation about mental illness. Talking about it lets people know that you are there to promote mental health.

Ending stigma around mental illness starts with you. Educating yourself is a key element in reducing the stigma around mental illness. The language we use and our behaviour towards our colleagues has an impact on the wellbeing of those around us.

There are many resources available to those wanting to learn more about mental health - either accessing resources to help with a mental illness, or accessing programs to educate yourself and others about it. The Employee Family Assistance Program (EAP) can be confidentially accessed at homeweb.ca or at 1-800-663-1142.

If you want to learn more about mental health, what resources you can use as an employee, or what programs are offered to promote mental health in your department, please contact Linda Brogden (x36264; lbrogden@uwaterloo.ca) or Karen Parkinson (x30338; kparkinson@uwaterloo.ca) at Occupational Health.