On Bell Let’s Talk Day, we come together to raise awareness and break the stigma surrounding mental health. It’s a reminder that mental health matters—whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, or just need someone to talk to.
Mental Health Resources
Helplines & Text Services:
- Crisis Text Line (Canada): Text “HOME” to 686868 to get free, 24/7 support. Whether you’re experiencing anxiety or need someone to talk to in a moment of distress, this service is there to help.
- Kids Help Phone: For kids and teens, Kids Help Phone offers confidential counselling and information at 1-800-668-6868 or via text at 686868. No problem is too big or too small.
- Hope for Wellness Helpline: For Indigenous peoples in Canada, this helpline offers mental health support 24/7 at 1-855-242-3310 or via text at 1-855-242-3310.
Online Therapy & Mental Health Services:
- BetterHelp: Get connected with licensed therapists for online counselling, available globally. A great option if you prefer remote therapy.
- Talkspace: Talkspace provides therapy through text, video, and audio with licensed professionals, offering a flexible and affordable mental health solution.
Peer Support & Community Programs:
- BounceBack: A free program designed to help individuals dealing with stress, depression, and anxiety by teaching new coping strategies and techniques.
- Mood Disorders Association of Ontario (MDAO): If you or a loved one is dealing with mood disorders, MDAO offers peer support, educational resources, and local workshops to help manage mental health.
The Importance of Breaking the Stigma
Despite the growing conversations about mental health, stigma is still a barrier that many face when seeking help. Did you know that 1 in 5 Canadians experience mental health problems each year? But unfortunately, only a fraction seek the support they need.
Mental health should be just as important as physical health, and no one should feel ashamed of reaching out for help. Let’s continue to normalize conversations around mental health, share our stories, and provide support to those in need. Together, we can break down the barriers and create a more open, understanding world for everyone.
How You Can Help: Donate and Support the Cause
If you’re looking to make a difference, consider donating to help mental health initiatives and organizations that are making a huge impact in communities across Canada. Here’s how you can contribute:
- Bell Let’s Talk: For every eligible text, call, tweet, or social media post made with #BellLetsTalk, Bell donates 5 cents to mental health initiatives. You can show your support all day long!
- Donate directly to the cause: Visit the Bell Let’s Talk website to donate and support mental health programs nationwide.
- Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA): CMHA provides resources and mental health programs across the country. Consider donating to help them continue their work.
- Donate Here: cmha.ca/donate
- Mental Health Foundation: Funds initiatives that directly impact mental health services and support. They provide vital funding for resources, research, and programs.
- Donate Here: mentalhealthfoundation.ca/donate
Even small donations make a big impact, so if you’re able to, please consider helping further the mission to improve mental health care and resources for all.
Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength. Whether it’s reaching out to a helpline, seeking therapy, or connecting with a community program, there’s always support available. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to take that first step.
Let’s continue the conversation. Together, we can make mental health a priority every day, not just on Bell Let’s Talk Day.
