Bell Let's Talk campaign calls for real change for mental health

Bell Let's Talk is kicking off a new campaign to inspire real change to positively impact mental health.

The “Let's create real change” campaign asks employers, workers and everyone else to play a role to create change at workplaces and even homes, schools and communities.

"Despite tremendous progress, real change is needed for Canadians who are struggling with their mental health,” says Mirko Bibic, president and CEO of Bell Canada. “We encourage everyone to join us on Jan. 24 and start a year of action to help address the mental health crisis our country is facing."

Here are the things that employers and workers can do, according to the campaign: 

• Choose a mental health organization to learn about or support.
• Help someone struggling with their mental health by learning how to support them.
• Ask about how your school, workplace or community is creating change for mental health.
• Nurture your own well-being by practicing and learning mental health strategies.
• Get involved in a mental health initiative or organize an event to support mental health.
• Engage in conversations about mental health to fight stigma.

"As we continue to focus on creating change, we are highlighting mental health organizations that provide supports and services for Canadians all around the country, helping more people get access to the care they need,” says Bibic. “There are many ways to help make a difference and we look forward to kicking off another year of action and real change for mental health in Canada."

The campaign can be a matter of life and death. Bell notes that more than 200 Canadians will attempt suicide everyday, and 12 will die. Every day, 21 people die of opioid overdose in Canada, it says.

Currently, one in eight Canadians have struggled with severe anxiety, and half of those struggling with mental health issues aren't receiving the help they need.

Overall, 23 per cent of workers in Canada have taken medication for their mental health. Among these workers, however, nearly half (46 per cent) have had to try more than one medication or dosage to treat their condition, according to a previous TELUS Health report.

Mental health organizations, multimedia campaign

The 2024 nationwide Bell Let's Talk multimedia campaign will also feature people sharing their reactions to alarming statistics and issues about mental health and the need for change.

Throughout the campaign, Bell Let's Talk will feature 25 mental health organizations and services that are working to address the crisis and creating real change for people in their communities around the country who need help.

This includes Canada's new suicide crisis helpline 9-8-8.

"As a psychiatrist, I've seen firsthand how even one conversation can begin a dialogue that allows someone to re-engage with their strengths and to hope. That sense of connection and belonging can be transformative,” says Dr. Allison Crawford, chief medical officer, 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline, and psychiatrist at The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).

“If you are thinking of suicide, our message to you is: you don't have to face your problems alone. 9-8-8 can offer you a non-judgmental space to talk – whatever you are going through, please know you can always reach out to us. We're grateful to Bell Let's Talk for helping to promote this vital service."

When it comes to mental health offerings, employers should not take a one-size fits all approach. That’s because different workers seek out different avenues of help for their mental health needs, according to a previous MetaBrain Labs report.

“As we step into 2024, the importance of prioritizing mental health in the workplace has never been more evident,” says Elga Lejarza, HRDevelop CEO, via LinkedIn. “The past years have taught us valuable lessons about the integral role mental well-being plays in not just the productivity of our workforce, but in the overall health of our organization.

“In today’s dynamic work environment, mental health is no longer a taboo subject but a critical component of employee well-being.”

Here’s how to ensure success with a wellbeing program.