Let’s Talk

Today is Let’s Talk day. This is a campaign sponsored by Bell to encourage people to talk about Mental Illness. The goal to get people talking so that those with mental illness will feel supported and that by getting it out in the open the stigma around mental illness will be reduced. Through the program Bell will make financial contribution to Mental Health programs. This is the fifth annual Let’s Talk day.

1 in 5 Canadians will experience mental illness at some point in their lives. Because of the stigma attached to mental illness 2 in 3 will struggle in silence fearing judgement and rejection. I know through my work that many people feel that they cannot talk about their mental illness because they will feel judged and be deemed weak, crazy, lacking faith or unworthy. Those are just a few of the terms attributed to mental illness. It is a terrible feeling to be ill and not able to talk about it for fear of ridicule or lack of understanding.

In one of the video clips on the Let’s Talk website, Howie Mandel says, “If we look after our mental health like our dental health we’ll be okay. We all talk about our dental health. I would say at a meeting I have to leave at 3 to see my dentist. But trying saying I have to see me psychiatrist and see what looks you get.”

President Bill Clinton said, “Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of, but stigma and bias shame us all.”

Here are some helpful suggestions from the Let’s Talk website…

This year’s Bell Let’s Talk’s campaign focuses on 5 simple ways we can all help end the stigma around mental illness:
Language matters – pay attention to the words you use about mental illness
Educate yourself – learn, know and talk more, understand the signs
Be kind – small acts of kindness speak a lot
Listen and ask – sometimes it’s best to just listen
Talk about it – start a dialogue, break the silence

“Ending the stigma of mental illness depends on building greater awareness, acceptance and action.” said Mary Deacon, Chair of Bell Let’s Talk.

If you have struggled with mental illness what has helped you? If you do not struggle with mental illness what are some of the factors that frighten you or cause you concern? Regardless of your experience do you feel able to talk about mental illness?