We Support Bell Let’s Talk
As lawyers who handle short term and long term disability claims for all types of illnesses and injuries, we understand how a mental illness affects a person’s ability to work and various other aspects of a person’s life.
On January 26, 2022, it is Bell Let’s Talk Day . Bell Let’s Talk Day is an important day. It is about increasing awareness, reducing stigma, and helping to change behaviours and attitudes about mental health issues.
A 2019 survey conducted by Nielsen Consumer Insights found that 84% of Canadians now say they are comfortable discussing mental health with others, compared to 42% in 2012.
A poll done in December 2020 showed that, since the COVID-19 pandemic began, more Canadians then ever have been diagnosed with depression (15%) and anxiety (23%). This is due to the challenges that have occurred since the pandemic began. This only proves how important promoting awareness of mental health is in todays world.
Types of Mental Illness
There are various types of mental illness, and all of them can have a serious impact on both the individual and his or her family.
These include:
Mood Disorders
Includes depression and bipolar disorder .
Anxiety Disorders
The most common type of mental disorder.
Schizophrenia
Includes Paranoid Schizophrenie
Eating Disorders
Includes anorexia and bulimia.
Personality Disorders
Includes borderline personality disorder, obsessive-compulsive personality disorder or antisocial personality disorder.
Important Facts to Consider*
Part of Bell’s campaign is to make Canadians realize that mental illness is everyone’s concern. It affects Canadians at some point in their life either through their own experience, or that of a family member or friend.
How Does It Work?
On this day, Bell Canada will donate 5 cents towards mental health initiatives for each of the following:
What is the Bell Let’s Talk Mental Health Initiative?
Bell Let’s Talk has developed a mental health initiative and 5 ways to help end stigma.
These include:
Anti-Stigma
Stigma is a big hurdle for anyone suffering from a mental illness and is the number one reason why two-thirds of those living with a mental illness do not seek help. Bell Let’s Talk awareness campaign and Bell Let’s Day opens the national conversation about mental illness across Canada. It is about growing the dialogue on mental health.
Care & Access
Bell Canada supports a variety of organizations. Only one-third of those who need mental health-related services in Canada will receive treatment. This is due to the stigma associated with mental illness or because they do not have access to programs in their community.
Workplace Health
Mental health is the leading cause of workplace disability in Canada and represents 15% of Canada’s burden of disease. The cost of a STD or LTD leave for a mental illness is around double the cost of a STD or LTD leave due to a physical illness. Bell practices workplace health and encourages greater corporate engagement across Canada.
Research
Bell is investigating in the best-in-class research programs with the potential to have a transformative impact on Canadians. Around the world, hundreds of millions of people are affected by mental illness. In fact, mental health problems are the single largest cause of disabilities in the world.
5 ways to help end stigma
Bell Let’s Talk also provides 5 ways Canadians can help end stigma.
#1
Language Matters
Why?
Because while words can be comforting, words can also be hurtful, and it’s important to pay attention to the words you use.
How To Help
By explaining to friends, relatives and colleagues that using words like “psycho” or “crazy” without thinking can be hurtful and provide an alternative view.
#2
Educate Yourself
Why?
Unfortunately there are many myths that still exist about mental illness that contribute to stigma.
How To Help
Learn the facts about mental illness. By learning more, knowing more and becoming knowledgeable, you can help fight stigma with facts.
#3
Be Kind
Why?
Small acts of kindness speak volumes.
How To 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 (i.e. physical illnesses) through a friendly smile, a helping hand, a phone call or a visit. Let them know you care.
#4
Listen and Ask
Why?
Sometimes it’s best to just listen.
How To Help
Don’t trivialize someone’s illness. A suggestion is, “I’m sorry to hear that, it must be a difficult time. Is there anything I can do to help?”.
#5
Talk About It
Why?
Start a dialogue, not a debate.
How To Help
Break the silence. Talk about how mental illness touches us all in same way, be it 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.
Why mental health awareness matters right now
As a result of the pandemic, more people have been experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression, and those people who already were diagnosed with a mental illness may be experiencing increased symptoms.
According to a recent poll, Canadians are reporting experiencing more anxiety and depression than before.
The poll conducted by Mental Health Research Canada in December 2020 polled 2,761 and found:
- 2% of Canadians surveyed reported being diagnosed with depression
- 20% of those surveyed said they had received an anxiety disorder diagnosis
- Self-reported feelings of anxiety and depression were also found to be at all time highs
- Respondents indicated that social isolation has negatively impacted their mental health
- 36% of respondents indicated that working from home has negatively impacting their mental health and is stressful
Taking care of your mental health
So how can you help your mental health during this time?
Some tips offered by the Bell Let’s Talk website include:
- Try to unplug from media/the news and find a balance
- Physical distancing does not mean you have to be alone (thanks to technology)
- Remember you are not alone
- Remind yourself it’s okay not to be okay
- Take care of your body – because body and mind are connected
*Facts and statistics have been provided by the Bell Let’s Talk Campaign website and the CMHA website.
