Let’s Talk About Mental Health

Main Street Medical Monthly Digest

By: Shelby Rolfe January 2020

Let’s Talk About Mental Health

January 29th is this years Bell Lets Talk day. This day is dedicated each year to help end the stigma around people with mental illnesses by getting the conversation going. It is important that we as a community let others know that we support them through their journey. But the conversation shouldn’t be limited to just one day, let’s keep it going all year long.

Bell Lets Talk is a program who’s goal is to help fund and create awareness towards mental health and mental health care and research. The awareness campaign was started by the Bell telecommunications company to help end the stigma around mental health in Canada, and is now the country’s largest corporation committed to mental health and is the first corporation to acknowledge this topic. Since its start in 2010, Bell Lets Talk has raised over $100 million for this cause. Click here to find out more about this initiative and to read real life stories from those impacted by mental illnesses.

One of the most important things we can do to help someone with a mental illness is to talk about it. Our words can have a huge impact on the way people with mental illnesses cope with their situations.

Here are some tips to help end the stigma:

  • Learn as much as you can about mental illness and how they affect people. Ask questions and know the myths and facts
  • Keep an open mind
  • Be respectful and avoid using derogatory language
  • If you have a mental illness, share your story
  • Treat mental illnesses the same way you would treat a physical illness
  • Listen when someone needs to talk
  • Speak up for others if you hear someone speaking negatively about people with mental illnesses

It is important to talk about mental illnesses because often times people with mental illnesses are afraid to talk about it, and afraid to let their friends and family know because of the negative attitudes surrounding the topic. However, we will not let our loved ones suffer in silence and we will share our stories so they know they’re not alone.

Remember, just because you can’t see someone’s illness, that doesn’t mean it isn’t there. Both mental and physical illnesses should be treated as equals. They both require research and support so that we can help those affected. The more we talk about mental health disorders, the more likely people are to reach out for help. See the person for who they are, not their mental illness. Listen to their story, learn about their illness and tell your own story. Because it may even be someone you love who is affected.

Without the support of family, friends and community, people with mental illness are half as likely to get help and proper treatment.

If you or someone you love has a mental illness here are some options for you to get help:

  • IF IT IS AN EMERGENCY PLEASE CALL 9-1-1 OR GO TO THE NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM!
  • Kids Help Phone: https://kidshelpphone.ca/ . 1-800-668-6868
  • Hope For Wellness Help Line 1-855-242-3310
  • Canada Suicide Prevention Service 1-833-456-4566 or Text 45645
  • Newfoundland and Labrador All Ages Line 1-888-737-4668
  • Click this link for even more resources: https://thelifelinecanada.ca/help/call/

 

Main street Medical Clinic

165 Main street Springdale, NL   A0J 1T0

Email: medicaldirector@mainstreetclinic.ca