Bell Let’s Talk Day helps ease stigma around mental health

Campaign shows those who struggle that they are not alone, professor says

Anyone scrolling through social media on Wednesday likely noticed an increase in people opening up about their personal struggles with mental health as part of the Bell Let’s Talk social media campaign.

Shadi Beshai, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Regina, said this conversation helps lower the stigma around mental health and helps those struggling with mental illness to realize they are not alone.

“People think that they’re the only ones going through an issue like that ... so scrolling through something like that gives people a sense of normalcy, that this is part of the human condition,” said Beshai.

One of the main challenges in public perception of mental health is the idea that physical illness is real and that mental illness is less legitimate.

“On a societal level, mental health has often taken a back seat to physical health,” he said.

“I wouldn’t be ashamed of getting a physical health issue. Why would I be ashamed of having a mental health issue?”

But just one social media campaign one day a year isn’t enough education to fully tackle the issue, said Beshai, adding that he wants to see more mental health education brought into elementary schools. By explaining more about anxiety and depression, factors that can contribute to these illnesses, and teaching some basic techniques to keep these illnesses from escalating, Beshai believes people would be better prepared at a young age to notice and treat them.

“This type of education — teaching students how to deal with difficult emotions when they do arise, giving them tools in their tool kit to increase well-being and to keep mental health issues at bay — it needs to happen very early on,” he said. Beshai said policy changes are also needed to provide easier and more affordable access to treatment.

On a societal level, mental health has often taken a back seat to physical health.