Canadians will be opening up the dialogue as a way to start breaking down the barriers associated with mental illness Wednesday.
As part of the sixth annual Bell Let’s Talk Day, people across the country will be discussing mental health and the stigma surrounding it.
Many athletes, celebrities and dignitaries including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Olympian Clara Hughes, TSN host Michael Landsberg, comedian Howie Mandel, and musician Serena Ryder will be taking part in the discussion and sharing stories on mental illness.
Sandie Sidsworth with the local Canadian Mental Health Association says if we can remove the stigma around mental illness and it’s not considered a weakness, than people find a way to recovery sooner without loss.
Sidsworth adds there is still a lot of stigma that exists in the workplace too.
Bell will donate 5 cents to mental health initiatives for every text message sent, mobile and long distance call made by Bell subscribers, Tweet using #BellLetsTalk and share of the corresponding Facebook image.
If you or someone you know needs to seek out local counseling services contact the CMHA at (613) 969-8874. Their team deals with a variety of issues including, but not limited to: depression, anxiety, relationship issues, addiction, recovery and grief/loss.
