Bell Let's Talk Day 2021

For nine consecutive months, the mental health of people around the world has been challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, more than ever, we need to make mental health a priority.

Jan. 28 marks the 11th annual Bell Let's Talk Day in Canada. The initiative highlights the importance of taking time to talk about mental health at home and at work.

OC supports

Stresses around pandemic restrictions can impact our mental health and wellness. If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, loneliness, isolation and other negative impacts on your wellness, know that there is support available to you as an OC employee.

• A Health and Well-Being section in myOkanagan was created in the Employee tab; keep an eye on this space for additional resources.
• The Employee and Family Assistance Program (also known as EFAP, operated by LifeWorks) is not just for emergencies. Get help by calling 1-888-307-0590 or logging onto the website https://www.lifeworks.com/ (username = okanagan password= healthy).
• Wellness Wednesdays with Flourish: these sessions organized by OC Counselling Services are open to staff and students and explore strategies on how to cope during COVID-19 pandemic.
• Bell Let's Talk Day virtual event, created by OC Athletics and Recreation and Counselling Services. It's mostly geared to students, but take a break to check out the self-care bingo and mandala colouring sheet!

Resources and supports

• The Government of BC has directory of virtual mental health supports during COVID-19 -- everything from a mental health check-in to general couselling.
• The Wellness Together Canada portal developed by the Government of Canada and other agencies lists free online resources. The Canadian government also has a listing of links to many resources focused on mental and physical well-being.
• HeretoHelp is hosted by seven social service agencies working together as BC Partners for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Information. These online resources can point you to free and paid resources to battle the effects of COVID-19.

Join the conversation

On Jan. 28, Bell will donate five cents for every applicable text, call, tweet or TikTok video using the hashtag #bellletstalk. Bell Let's Talk also has an photobooth for Okanagan College where you can take your photo with a special message

Engage others in the conversation

Helping to end the stigma around mental illness can help people seek the help they need and create positive change. One of the biggest hurdles for anyone suffering from mental illness is overcoming the stigma of having a problem and asking for help. It is the number one reason why two-thirds of those living with a mental illness do not seek help.

Here are 5 simple ways to help end the stigma that keeps too many who struggle with mental illness from seeking the help they need:

1. Language matters: the words you use can make all the difference.
2. Educate yourself: knowing the facts and myths about mental illness can be a great way to help end the stigma.
3. Be kind: simple acts of kindness can help open up the conversation and let someone know you are there for them.
4. Listen and ask: being a good listener and asking how you can help can be the first step in recovery.
5. Talk about it: mental illness touches us all in some way directly or through a friend, family member or colleague. Most people with mental health issues can and do recover, just by talking about it.

Want to bring the message to other organizations you volunteer for or help with? Check out Bell's wealth of resources like conversation guides and tips for recognizing stress.

Visit the Bell Let's Talk webpage