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Bell Let's Talk day starting conversations

Last week, I was shocked when I opened one of my social media accounts and found a number of new messages. I was pleasantly surprised when all of them were for Bell Let’s Talk.
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Nouvelle Viewpoint

Last week, I was shocked when I opened one of my social media accounts and found a number of new messages.

I was pleasantly surprised when all of them were for Bell Let’s Talk. Although the messages weren’t doing what people thought they were, it was the thought that counted.

By using #Bellletstalk, watching one of their videos, messaging people if you’re a Bell customer, among other activities that prompted Bell to donate $0.05 to mental health initiatives, they raised over $7-million. That funding will be given to mental health initiatives across the country. 

 Robynne HenryRobynne Henry The Henry Hype

Every year this day comes around, it always makes me happy to see the outpour of support from people all over, promoting everyone to use the hashtag, spread awareness, and to encourage others to talk.

Days like Bell Let’s Talk are crucial in breaking down the stigma surrounding mental illness, and lets people know that it gets better, they aren’t alone in their struggles, and talking can help.

It’s a small thing, but talking it out can really help when someone’s struggling.

When I was in university, I worked for Mental Health Services for a while. I mainly ran their social media pages, but I participated in a number of events and activities around the school as a work study student.

I was shocked to learn how many myths people believed about mental illness, and how that had prevented them from seeking help in the past.

It made me wonder why we don’t treat our mental health like our physical health, and why we look down on people who spend time focusing on themselves to feel better.

It’s not a choice to be depressed, or have anxiety, or any other number of mental illnesses.

Campaigns like Bell Let’s Talk are just one of the ways to break down the stigma, and I think it’s an important step in the right direction.

One of the ways we can better educate everyone about the issues people face are by starting these types of conversations, and keeping them going, not just limiting them to one day, but being a safe haven for friends and families that may need it.

I try to offer a safe place for my friends to go if they’re struggling, and just try to listen. I don’t judge them, and only share advice after I’ve heard what they want to say.

Before sharing anything, just sit and listen to someone who trusts you enough to reach out for help.

-Did you know the Cold Lake’s 4 Wing MFRC was one of the recipients for this year’s Bell True Patriot Love Fund? Check out the story here




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