Read on Twitter
The #BellLetsTalk 
campaign has undoubtedly raised awareness (and the company has indeed donated millions) to mental health initiatives since it began in 2010.
And yes, Bell certainly benefits from the free advertising and publicity that YOU donate to THEM.
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campaign has undoubtedly raised awareness (and the company has indeed donated millions) to mental health initiatives since it began in 2010.And yes, Bell certainly benefits from the free advertising and publicity that YOU donate to THEM.
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And yes, your engagement may very well result in your data being shared with advertising companies, who could use it to target the perceived "needs" of someone seeking help with their mental health. I loathe that advertising has evolved this way, but that's where we're at.
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But also...yes, eleven years ago, Bell was one of the first major companies in Canada to aggressively and publicly bring attention to an issue that wasn't getting much attention at all.
So yes...instead of making the hashtag simply #LetsTalk, it is #BellLetsTalk.
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So yes...instead of making the hashtag simply #LetsTalk, it is #BellLetsTalk
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My point is...you can hate the player and hate how the game is played, but perhaps we can look past that for a moment and just appreciate the cause.
There's no question that so much more needs to be done in regards to mental health care everywhere, in every aspect.
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There's no question that so much more needs to be done in regards to mental health care everywhere, in every aspect.
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I think we need to talk about the best way to build a bridge between merely raising awareness...and taking real action.
Recognizing the complexity and full spectrum of mental health - from maintenance to treatment - and what "mental health" really means to different people.
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Recognizing the complexity and full spectrum of mental health - from maintenance to treatment - and what "mental health" really means to different people.
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Last but not least...
For some, today might just be a day that someone feels comfortable sharing something that they maybe wouldn't have before. Their struggles, or survivor story. Maybe today reminds them of someone they lost to suicide.
#BellLetsTalk day is good for them.
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For some, today might just be a day that someone feels comfortable sharing something that they maybe wouldn't have before. Their struggles, or survivor story. Maybe today reminds them of someone they lost to suicide.
#BellLetsTalk
day is good for them.6/
Here are some resources that I have personally used, for anyone who appreciates another human being saying "Hey, I've tried this myself and it helped / didn't help me", and not just be given a random list of phone numbers and websites without any idea of what to expect.
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Wellness Together Canada
https://ca.portal.gs
- 24/7
- you pay $0
- you complete a short assessment online, and then you're connected to a live human. Real therapists and counselors. Subsidized through Homewood Health. I used this service over Christmas. Highly recommend.
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https://ca.portal.gs
- 24/7
- you pay $0
- you complete a short assessment online, and then you're connected to a live human. Real therapists and counselors. Subsidized through Homewood Health. I used this service over Christmas. Highly recommend.
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Mental Health First Aid (from the MHC of Canada)
http://www.mhfa.ca/en/general-resources
A treasure trove of resources with links and descriptions of each one. I do a ton of my own research here. This is the cusp of the mental health rabbit hole. A great place to start.
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http://www.mhfa.ca/en/general-resources
A treasure trove of resources with links and descriptions of each one. I do a ton of my own research here. This is the cusp of the mental health rabbit hole. A great place to start.
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For those of you with employee benefits: FIND OUT WHAT YOU HAVE COVERED.
It may not be much, but if it's there, use it. They're your benefits. Read the fine print, contact your GP, contact a counselor or psychologist, and work with them to maximize what you have.
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It may not be much, but if it's there, use it. They're your benefits. Read the fine print, contact your GP, contact a counselor or psychologist, and work with them to maximize what you have.
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http://www.eMentalHealth.ca
I find the site a bit clunky to use, but there is a lot there once you learn to navigate it. Drop-down menus galore help you narrow down what you need. Go to the "Info Sheets" page for a lot of really helpful, in-depth pamphlets.
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I find the site a bit clunky to use, but there is a lot there once you learn to navigate it. Drop-down menus galore help you narrow down what you need. Go to the "Info Sheets" page for a lot of really helpful, in-depth pamphlets.
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~Mental Health Phone Numbers~
Canada Suicide Prevention Service
Text: 45645 (4 PM - 12 AM, ET)
Call: 1-833-456-4566
I have never felt more relief in my life than when they picked up.
There are very well-trained people on the other end of this number. Highly recommend.
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Canada Suicide Prevention Service
Text: 45645 (4 PM - 12 AM, ET)
Call: 1-833-456-4566
I have never felt more relief in my life than when they picked up.
There are very well-trained people on the other end of this number. Highly recommend.
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Kids Help Phone
Text "CONNECT" to 686868
Call: 1-800-668-6868
Visit http://www.kidshelpphone.ca with your kids and teach them how to use the service. Teach them the phone number. Make it fun. They've been around FOREVER, they are an excellent resource and service.
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Text "CONNECT" to 686868
Call: 1-800-668-6868
Visit http://www.kidshelpphone.ca with your kids and teach them how to use the service. Teach them the phone number. Make it fun. They've been around FOREVER, they are an excellent resource and service.
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Feel free to add your own resources. And let people know what it was like to use them, what they can maybe expect.
It's hard. It's really, really hard to get up the nerve to actually ask for help. I still struggle with it.
But it's worth it. I can't stress that enough.
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It's hard. It's really, really hard to get up the nerve to actually ask for help. I still struggle with it.
But it's worth it. I can't stress that enough.
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