National Bell Let’s Talk Day reaches the streets of Prince George

Today (January 28th), is the 11th annual Bell ‘Let’s Talk Day’ in Canada.

Let’s Talk Day is an initiative created by Bell to raise funds for mental health initiatives and increase awareness for mental health issues.

Bell donates five cents to Canadian Mental Health initiatives for every text, phone call and time the BellLetsTalk hashtag is used, as well as every time the Bell Let’s Talk filter on Facebook or Snapchat is used.

“It’s important we recognize the impact mental health has on our overall wellness and really recognize that part of being healthy means not just our physical health but our mental health as well,” said Mary Lu Spagrud with the Canadian Mental Health Association.

The initiative was also created to reduce the stigma surrounding depression, anxiety and other mental illnesses.

“Days like this are so important,” Spagrud added, “because being able to have open and honest conversations about it normalizes it because it is normal to struggle with mental health sometimes in our life much like we struggle with physical health.”

Spagrud explained the pandemic has made many feel isolated and lonely, however, it has also created an opportunity for more open conversations about mental health.

“Because we’re seeing greater reductions in socialization and more isolation, we’re seeing increases in anxiety and depression, but on the other hand, we’re seeing some positives in a way because people are more aware of their mental health,” she added.

Erin Galbraith is a counsellor at the Community Counselling Centre in Prince George, the centre is run by UHNBC Masters students and offers different services and counselling for $20.

“Mental health is just a real part of life, we all have healthy days and unhealthy days, there is still a huge stigma in getting help for our mental wellbeing and days like this are so important for that reason,” she said.

There is no harm in reaching out especially as people face stress, anxiety and loneliness related to the pandemic, according to Galbraith.

For the 24-7 Northern BC Crisis Line, click here.

Additional Mental Health Contacts are as follows:

•  Addiction Helpline – 1-800-663-1441
•  Mental Health Helpline – 1-877-303-2642
•  Community Outreach and Assertive Services Team (COAST) -250 565 7472
•  Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 686868
•  Youth Treatment Center Mental Health and Addictions – 250 565 2881
•  Health Link – 811