Bell Let’s Talk is 26 January 2022
Join your peers and support staff for events during Bell Let’s Talk Day and beyond!
Watch for communications with details on the events happening that day.
In the meantime, download the new Bell Let’s Talk BIPOC Podcast “From Where We Stand” for a great place to go to for prevention education.
When it comes to mental health, now more than ever, every action counts.
Language Matters: Your words matter
The words you use can make all the difference. Words can help, but they can also hurt. What would you choose?
- Schizo: Person with schizophrenia
- Crazy: Person/Someone with a mental illness
Educate Yourself: Did you know?
When it comes to mental illness, education is key. Having the right tools, knowing the right words to use and understanding how to correctly speak with someone experiencing a mental illness can make all the difference.
View the Bell Let’s Talk Toolkit
Be Kind: Kindness is key
Simple kindness can make a world of a difference. Whether it be a smile, being a good listener or an invitation for a chat over coffee, these simple acts of kindness can help open up the conversation and let someone know you’re there for them.
Expressions like “You’ll get over it” and “Just relax” can hurt more than help. Instead, offer your support and say “I’m sorry you aren’t feeling well” or better yet, ask what you can do to help.
Listen and Ask: Your presence is all it takes
Mental illness is a very common form of human pain and suffering. Being a good listener and asking how you can help or simply just being there for people you care about can be the first step to recovery.
Here are a few examples of what to ask:
- I’m sorry you aren’t feeling well.
- I’ve noticed you’ve been down lately. Is everything OK?
- How can I help?
Talk About It: Break the silence
Two out of three people suffer in silence, fearing judgement and rejection. Being open to a conversation is the first step towards eliminating the stigma.
Know the facts, be kind, be a good listener and a friend. Be part of the conversation to eliminate the stigma once and for all.
When it comes to mental health, now more than ever, every action counts.
It is also important to recognize that for those struggling with their mental health, this can be an important yet difficult day.
There are many places to find support, but navigating them can be confusing.
Using the Mental Health Continuum Model can be the first step in recognizing how you’re feeling and how you can take care of your own mental wellness.
https://www.cafconnection.ca/getmedia/3442404d-5397-4ba3-96dd-f615f27386ec/MHCM-EN.PNG.aspx
Start with prevention. Health Promotion programs are offered across all Canadian Armed Forces Bases. They are available to you, your family, veterans and DND staff.
It is key for those in leadership roles like Sentinels, Chain of Command, and Instructors to participate in programs like Mental Fitness & Suicide Awareness Training or general courses like Stress: Take Charge! while “in the green” to develop resiliency skills and understand how to respond to a mental health crisis.
More informal supports can be found through Padres, Complaint and Conflict Management, Instructors and Chain of Command who have prevention training. They can be someone to talk to, guide you to other resources and navigate tough situations by being a trusted advisor and support conflict management.
Clinical support is accessed through Health Services Mental Health is available for formal counselling and crisis situations.
There is a place for all stages of mental wellness – continue to support yourself and others.
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Rachel Askett, Health Promotion Specialist