The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Middlesex is reminding the public that ending the stigma around mental health is more than just a one-day affair.
Social media was flooded with the #BellLetsTalk hashtag Wednesday as the annual national initiative to see mental health treated the same as a physical injury kicked off at midnight.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Canadian singers Jann Arden and Celine Dion, and iconic actor William Shatner were among the hundreds of thousands to tweet their support.
"It is a conversation we need to keep going because we don't just want to reduce stigma on one day," said Lori Hassall, director of crisis and short term intervention programs at CMHA Middlesex. "We want to reduce it on every day so that people feel comfortable reaching out and so we can work together to address this really important issue."
Nationally, one in five people will experience a mental health issue in their lifetime, according to figures from CMHA.
Hassall noted continued discussion on the subject helps to normalize it, which in turn allows more of those suffering to feel comfortable reaching out for assistance.
"But it does mean that volumes are going up, that demand is increasing for mental health services in the community," said Hassall. "We are pleased the provincial government has committed to funding $1.9 billion over the next ten years and the federal government is going to match that. Although that sounds like a lot of funds, with demand increasing it may still be hard to keep up with the demand."
Since it was first launched in 2010, Bell Let's Talk Day has raised more than $93.4-million for mental health services in Canada. The company donates $0.05 for each text, mobile call, and social media mention using the specified hashtag and each time its Bell Let's Talk Day video is viewed on Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat.
For anyone who suspects a loved one may be having mental health troubles, Hassall said the most helpful thing you can do is reach out and listen.
"If we see someone that we think is struggling sometimes we can be afraid and worry we won't say the right things, but it is not about having the perfect words. It's really about showing caring," said Hassall.
The CMHA Middlesex operates a Crisis Centre at 648 Huron Street in London, and reach out and support lines at 519-433-2023 and 519-601-8055. All three services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
