What is Bell Let’s Talk Day?
Every January, Bell Let’s Talk Day brings Canadians together to break the stigma around mental health. For every interaction using #BellLetsTalk, Bell donates to mental health initiatives across Canada.
This year’s focus is on supporting youth mental health and increasing access to mental health resources.
Circle of Care is proud to join this effort to encourage people to share their experiences and support one another today and every day.
Need Immediate Support? If you or someone you know is in immediate distress, call or text 9-8-8 anytime for free, confidential support.
Supporting Young People
Whether you’re a parent, relative, mentor, sibling, or friend, your support is vital to the young people in your life. These resources from CMHA can help you to start the conversation.
- Talking to Teens About Mental Health – This article from the Canadian Mental Health Association (SMHA) offer practical tips for encouraging dialogue and recognizing when teens may need additional support.
- By Their Side: Helping Youth with Mental Health – This in-depth guide is designed to prepare you for supporting youth and responding to youth mental health needs.
Supporting Others
Sometimes it’s hard to talk about mental health. Knowing what to say or how to say it isn’t obvious. Here are some resources that can help you get started.
- Bell Let’s Talk conversation guides can be used to lead a discussion about mental health or to start a conversation with someone you care about.
- Be There by Jack.org is a free, interactive resource that helps build confidence in supporting someone’s mental health.
Be a Resource
- Pick up a copy of the Mental Health Pocketbook for practical advice at your fingertips.
- Share a kind message or a resource that has helped you using the #BellLetsTalk hashtag on social media
- Give a High Five to uplift others.
- Take time to listen to those around you. Even small moments of kindness or empathy can make a big difference!
Getting Support
Pay What You Can Psychotherapy Services
The Toronto Institute for Contemporary Psychoanalysis (TICP) is launching a “Pay What You Can” program for in-person psychotherapy sessions with their Student Therapists.
TCIP is especially interested in increasing access to Mental Health services for employees working in the health care sector. Closely supervised by experienced registered psychotherapists, this program allows early career psychotherapists to gain valuable experience while providing affordable high quality mental health care.
This program will offer weekly, in-person sessions at their clinic, located at 427 Vaughan Road (North of St. Clair). Prospective clients are welcome to pay what they can afford (recommended amount is $5-$25 per session).
Read more: https://ticp.on.ca/ticp-community-clinic/
Practice Self Care
Self-care is crucial for physical, emotional, and mental health. Practicing self-care means taking the time to participate in activities that bring you enjoyment or a sense of calm and peacefulness.
Challenge yourself to complete as many self-care activities as you can. For each activity completed, fill in the talk bubble in that square.
Find more activities and resources: https://letstalk.bell.ca/tools-and-resources/bell-lets-talk-day-toolkit/
Soothing Sounds
Unwind with a good podcast or some soothing music!
- SuperSoul by Oprah – Conversations about life, growth, and purpose.
- Unlocking Us by Brené Brown – Honest talks about vulnerability and courage.
- Little Symphony, a Canadian-based group, travels the world recording beautiful nature sounds and pairs them with heartfelt ambient orchestral music.
Other Resources
- Coping with Loneliness
- Managing Stress
- Mindfulness and Relaxation
- Work-Life Balance
- Navigating Grief and Loss
- Explore More at CMHA
- Find Mental Health Support in Ontario
Find More Resources: https://www.ontario.ca/page/find-mental-health-support
Need Immediate Support? If you or someone you know is in immediate distress, call or text 9-8-8 anytime for free, confidential support.