A Canadian Mental Health Association poll found only 50% of Canadians would tell a friend that a family member has a mental illness – yet about three-quarters of people would disclose a cancer diagnosis. Why? Because mental illness still carries with it a stigma, a sense that the illness should somehow be hidden, that people would react with fear or rejection. As a result, people often suffer in silence.
On February 9, 2011 Bell Canada launches Let’s Talk Day in efforts to end the silence and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. Clara Hughes, Canadian Olympic medallist and humanitarian is the smiling face of Bell’s Let’s Talk campaign. Hughes gets the conversation started on the importance of mental health in a campaign video and shares her personal battle with depression after the 1996 Olympics.
On Let’s Talk Day Bell Canada will donate 5 cents for every text message sent, and long-distance phone call made by Bell customers to programs dedicated to mental health. Regular text and long-distance charges apply.
Be a part of a conversation for change. For more info click here.
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Tags: 2011, Bell Canada, Clara Hughes, February 9, Let's Talk Day, Olympic medalist