Bell Media is running a campaign – “Bell Let’s Talk ”
Bell will donate 5¢ more to mental health initiatives for every Text message sent,Mobile & long distance call made, Tweet using #BellLetsTalk, Share of the Facebook image
5 simple ways to help end the stigma around mental illness.
Talking is the first step towards meaningful change and building greater awareness, acceptance, and action.
1. LANGUAGE MATTERS
HOW YOU CAN HELP
- Explain to friends and colleagues who use words like “psycho” or “nut” without thinking that their comments may be hurtful and provide an alternative view.
3.BE KIND
Small acts of kindness speak volumes.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
- Don’t stand by if someone is being labelled or bullied.
- Treat a person who has a mental illness with the kindness and care you give to people with other illnesses through a friendly smile, a helping hand, a phone call or visit.
4.LISTEN AND ASK
Sometimes it’s best to just listen.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
- Don’t trivialize someone’s illness. Instead, say: “I’m sorry to hear that, it must be a difficult time. Is there anything I can do to help?”
5.TALK ABOUT IT
Start a dialogue, not a debate
HOW YOU CAN HELP
- Break the silence. Talk about how mental illness touches us all in some way directly or through a friend, family member or colleague. Stories of lived experience are the best way to help eradicate stigma.
- Support mental health and anti-stigma programs in your community.
- 1 in 5 Canadians will experience a form of mental illness at some point in their life.
