It’s that time of the year again! Bell will be donating 5 cents to mental health initiatives in Canada for every:

• Text (not iMessage) sent from a Bell customer phone;
• Tweet or retweet that includes #BellLetsTalk;
• Snapchat sent using Bell’s special filter.

More than just one conversation is needed, especially when we consider the number of people in Canada who are impacted by mental health challenges.

For instance, 20% of Canadians experience mental health challenges in any given year. By age 40, approximately half of the population have or will experience a mental health illness. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death from adolescence (15-24; 24%) to middle age (25-44;16%), with men being 4 times more likely to die by suicide when compared to women (1). Other populations such as First Nation, Metis, Inuit and LGBTQI2S youth, as well as federal inmates are at a higher risk for suicide as well (2).

Since 2010, Bell Let’s Talk has contributed significantly to mental health initiatives in Canada by funding community-based programs, educational resources, and anti-stigma and mental health awareness campaigns (3; 4). However, it’s important to remember this initiative isn’t called “#LetsTalk” and that this kind of activism is a form of marketing that is intended to promote a positive corporate message.

It’s without a doubt that more accessible resources and services are required now that there is a greater awareness of Canadians’ mental health needs. At Bliss Counselling, we will do our best to remove the barriers to accessing our mental health resources. We strive to provide an inclusive, safe, comfortable, compassionate and affordable space to talk about life’s challenges. If at any point we are unable to meet your needs, we will refer you to resources that will.

So… #LetsTalk today, tomorrow, and all of the days that follow.

If you would like to talk to somebody immediately about your mental health concerns, please call HERE 24/7 at 1-844-437-3247. If you would like to schedule a time to talk to one of our therapists, click here to book your consultation or contact us by phone or email. We are here to help!