Today, Tuesday January 28th 2014 is Bell Let’s Talk day. Not everyone is a fan of Bell Media and that is their prerogative, but today Bell has done something really great. The Bell Let’s Talk initiative is literally to get people talking about mental health so that we can remove the stigma associated with it. How are they doing this? Today, every time you use the #BellLetsTalk when you send out a Tweet, Bell will donate 5 cents to mental health initiatives. As of this moment over one and a half million tweets have been sent with the Bell Let’s Talk hashtag which equates to over $78,000.00!!
You can also follow Bell Let’s talk on Facebook right HERE and every time you share their page another 5 cents gets added to the pot. This may not seem like a large sum of money, but it adds up. I think the main message to take away from all of this though is that the #BellLetsTalk program will get people talking! Talking about mental health issues is key to taking away the mystery about it and letting those who suffer know they are not alone. As a card carrying member of this elite society I can attest that when you suffer from a mental health disorder of some sort you often feel alone and scared. The stigma that comes with it can lead a person to feel embarrassed, shame and ultimately hopeless. This in turn can lead to a person not getting the help they need.
Do you know that one in five Canadians will suffer from some sort of mental health issue at some point in their life? Two out of three of those people will suffer in silence, too ashamed or embarrassed to seek help. This affects families, work, friends and so much more. Help put an end to the stigma that surrounds mental health issues and start talking today! Tweet your heart out about #BellLetsTalk and see how much good can result from this.
Have you shared #BellLetsTalk today?
FT&PD
Suz
Such an important topic to bring awareness to. So many people suffer in silence.
Yes, far too many sadly…
I have been including the hashtsag in my tweets. Such an important topic
It is so important and I think it is a really creative way to get the word out there! I am sure #BellLetsTalk was trending all day!
I have been tweeting all day with the hashtag! Together anything is possible! So proud of BELL!
I agree Tammy and it is so great of Bell to do this!!
An excellent initiative by Bell! Yes, that is one illness that must be talked about!
I agree Gemma, great idea from Bell 🙂
I know so many people who suffer from mental illness. It is an important topic. Let’s hope the conversation doesn’t end.
I so agree Craig. I think we have come a long way, but like bullying we have a long way too go yet…
I love this program from Bell. I tweeted, shared and texted all day. So glad that so many people will be helped by the money raised.
That is awesome Kristen! It will be nice to learn just how much was raised in that one day..
Mental health issues are still seen negatively by so many people in our society. It’s important that we let everyone know that it isn’t a weakness, but rather a valid medical condition.
Well said Lindsay….
Very good of Bell to do this! I will participate as best as I can.
It is over for now Diane, but you can still use the hashtag #BellLetsTalk to keep the topic in the public eye! THank you!
this is quite interesting–thanks for sharing…
My pleasure Randy 🙂
My hubby, oldest daughter and I are on anti-depressants and seeing counselors. We had suffered for many years and would pretend to be “normal”, but unfortunately that didn’t last, especially when my oldest daughter tried to kill herself and ended up in mental hospitals for almost the last 5 years off and on. I am so glad you and many other blogs have made people like us, not to be embarrassed and a lot more people will be willing to get help instead of hiding then killing themselves( my ex-boyfriend ended his life because he didn’t get the help he needed). Thank you so much you have helped a lot of people by putting this blog out there:)
Thank you for sharing your story with me Jaime, I know that can not be easy. This initiative by Bell is very important, it really gets people talking. Please know that you are not alone. I thought I would share this new blog with you called End the Crazy Talk. You can actually submit stories to it, so if you ever feel like sharing yours you can do so, and also do it anonymously. You are a true Warrior Mama Jaime <3
http://endthecrazytalk.com/
Suz