LET'S TALK
MENTAL HEALTH
KBI Inspire Magazine
In support of Bell Let's Talk Day, we've pulled together a short piece with links to articles and resources on mental health. If you feel it's the right time for you, we invite you to browse through the topics. If you need help now, there are a number of crisis lines listed at the bottom of this article where you can access immediate help.
Create a Positive Change
"Let's change this" is the theme of this year's Bell Let's Talk Campaign. According to Mental Health Research Canada, approximately 56% of Canadians who are struggling with their mental health are not getting the support they need. That's a sobering statistic, but one that can absolutely be changed. And there is a lot we need to change in society about how mental health and mental illness are perceived, talked about (or not) and treated (or not). Bell Let's Talk Day is just that - one day. But it is a day that can be a catalyst to spark conversations, take actions and initiate change. Let's start having those difficult conversations. Let's talk. Let's change.
The articles listed below are a starting point, offering different perspectives on mental health and written by both mental health professionals and those with lived experience.
Feature Articles
Suicide Prevention: Daniel's Story, by Lynn Keane
Youth Athletes and Mental Health, by Mikaela Brewer
Tyler Smith: It's Okay to not be Okay, by Tyler Smith
Change is Possible, by Asante Haughton
Podcast
'Life Outside the Box ' podcast series on Youth Mental Health
Hot Topics (3 minute reads)
Let's Be Real: the Unspoken Stigma Around Mental Illness, by Dawn Miller
Navigating the System: How to find Mental Health Support, by Maureen Pollard, MSW
5 Ways to Make a Difference in Your Mental Health, by Abbigale Kernya
Finding Meaning & Purpose, by Dr. Ian Dawe
Beating the Winter Blues, by Maureen Pollard, MSW
Grief 101, by Maureen Pollard, MSW
Speaking with Young People about Mental Health, by Gillian Smith-Clark and Maureen Pollard, MSW
Resources
Canadian Mental Health Association
Red Cross - Psychological First Aid
Need Help Now?
Reach a Kids Help phone counsellor 24/7 at 1-800-668-6868
Crisis Services Canada at 1-833-456-4566 or visit the Centre for Suicide Prevention at suicideinfo.ca for more resources and a free, downloadable Suicide Prevention Toolkit.