‘Let’s Talk Day’ reminds people there’s mental health help available

LAST YEAR’S CAMPAIGN RAISED MORE THAN $6 MILLION

Similar messages flooded social media platforms Wednesday as Canadians shared their struggles with mental health in hopes their messages may help.

It was all part of Bell Canada’s Let’s Talk Day, which runs annually on Jan. 31.

The campaign raises funds for Canadian mental health initiatives, while also raising awareness. For every text and phone call made along the Bell cellphone network, along with every #BellLetsTalk post on social media, Bell donates five cents. While it may not seem like much, it certainly adds up. Last year more than $6 million was raised.

“We often use that stat that one in five Canadians have a mental illness, which is most certainly true, but the other part of that is that every single Canadian — every person around the world — has mental health and I think that’s really where Bell Let’s Talk Day comes in handy,” said David Gabert, communications lead and project co-ordinator for the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Alberta South Region.

“It’s critical to getting conversations going before people are in crisis and before they need a formal diagnosis.”

No matter how daunting the conversation may be, whether it’s with a doctor, friend or colleague, it can help.

“My advice for individuals who are questioning if they’re facing undue mental stress, or something is going on, is to listen to yourself,” Gabert said.

“Admit that to yourself and try and have those conversations with people, try and find resources to see what you can do about that before it blows into something bigger, before it gets to the point where you absolutely don’t want to go out or connect with people or do anything. Have those conversations because people are not alone with that.”

“You can see all the voices on Facebook, SnapChat, Twitter, all out there that are saying very similar stories. Each one is unique and individual — mental health is different for everyone — but you’re not alone in facing these stresses,” said Gabert.

It’s also important to find something that can help keep the stress at bay, giving the individual time to process what’s going on.

“Whether that’s talking to somebody, whether it’s going out and connecting with nature, or reading a book, whatever it is that makes you feel at peace. Find those things and connect with those and find people you trust, that you can open up to.”

If professional help is needed, there’s a range of services available.

AHS offers treatments through the Addiction and Mental Health Community Services, including walk-in intake hours on Tuesday and Wednesday from 12:30 to 3 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m.

“There’s also services such as the Community Links which connects people to resources in the community because we understand mental stresses come from things such as housing, food and those basic necessities. People are either struggling to find or worried about losing and so connecting to some of those other services and just chatting to some of the social workers there, can be a huge asset.”

There’s also a number of local support groups and services offered through agencies such as CMHA, Lethbridge Family Services and Lethbridge Family Centre.

“If people aren’t sure where to turn, the first step I would recommend to them would be Community Links.”

Individuals can contact Community Links at 403-328-LINK or online through www.community-links.ca.

Initiatives like Bell’s Let’s Talk Day help reduce the stigma around mental illness and Gabert has seen a shift in people turning for help.

“I’m very thankful for Bell for putting this on as well for all of the people who do speak up, because it is incredibly terrifying for people to tell their personal stories, even to their friends.”

If you are struggling and need someone to speak to call the 24Hour Distress Line at 403-327-7905.

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