January 28, 2021 — Today is Bell Let’s Talk Day and we’re joining in to help drive progress in mental health.
COVID-19 has affected every aspect of our lives, including our mental health. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, 38% of Canadians say their mental health has declined due to COVID-19, and people already struggling with their mental health were 2 times more likely to say their mental health has declined due to the pandemic.
Since 2010, Canadians and people around the globe have joined in the world’s largest conversation around mental health on Bell Let’s Talk Day. Together we have taken big steps to reduce the stigma around mental health issues and inspire one another to take action and help create a Canada where everyone can access the mental health support they need. In a recent survey conducted by Nielsen Consumer Insights, 83% of Canadians now say they are comfortable speaking with others about mental health, compared to only 42% in 2012. By joining in and taking action, we are all helping to make a real difference.
This year’s Bell Let’s Talk Day campaign shines a light on the actions that we can all take, because now more than ever, mental health matters. Whether you’re staying virtually connected with a family member, working directly with patients in recovery, investing in access to care or even just taking care of your own mental health, every Canadian can play a part in their communities, workplaces, schools and at home.
That’s why we’re joining in the 11th annual Bell Let’s Talk Day to help create positive change.
I’d like to share a personal note about why we’re joining in today.
Last year, at age 55, I was diagnosed with ADHD. I had drastically wrong misconceptions about what ADHD is, and I dove into researching it, so I could understand myself. And once I realized what ADHD really is (and isn’t), I understood why I’ve had tremendous struggles in certain areas of my life. And I understand now why my older brother Mark struggled terribly his whole life.
Mental health issues touch the lives of me and my family every single day.
Take the time to have a conversation with the people you love.
Rick Vandenberg, Founder, The Home Lottery News.
@RickVandenberg, me, unfiltered.
When it comes to mental health, now more than ever, every action counts.
On Bell Let’s Talk Day, Bell donates 5 cents to Canadian mental health programs for every applicable text, local or long distance call, tweet or TikTok video using #BellLetsTalk, every Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Snapchat, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube view of the Bell Let’s Talk Day video, and every use of the Bell Let’s Talk Facebook frame or Snapchat filter. All at no cost to participants beyond what they would normally pay their service provider for online or phone access.
You can also find resources, learn more about some of the organizations providing meaningful mental health supports and services throughout Canada and download the Bell Let’s Talk toolkit to begin your own conversation about mental health at home, school or in the workplace.
Please join us this Bell Let’s Talk Day by showing your support for all those who live with mental illness and those taking action to help them.
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