Ultimate players are used to talking about physical health and injuries from playing games. That’s just a natural part of playing sports.
However, today we want to broaden the conversation to include mental health. Mental illness has touched people in the VUL family over the years – just like society as a whole – and we want to do our small part to raise awareness and create positive change.
Today – January 29, 2020 – is Bell Let’s Talk Day.
What it’s about
Bell Let’s Talk promotes mental health awareness, acceptance and action built on 4 key pillars:
- fighting stigma
- improving access to care
- supporting world-class research
- leading by example in workplace mental health.
What you can do today
On January 29 only, Bell will donate 5¢ towards mental health initiatives in Canada for a whole bunch of social media actions. Pick one or more!
1. Share this article on Twitter or Facebook using the links next to the title. Add the hashtag #BellLetsTalk.
2. Share our Instagram post.
3. See the Bell Let’s Talk page for other actions.
What you can do next (and all year)
1. Contact a Friend
On any day, reach out to a current or past teammate just to chat and check in. Ask how they are doing, and share how you are doing.
Not sure what to say? Read on.
2. Learn how to help
“It’s a fact: one in five people in Canada will experience a mental health issue or illness in any given year. One of the biggest hurdles for anyone suffering from mental illness is overcoming the stigma. It is the number one reason why two-thirds of those living with a mental illness do not seek help.”
Read about these 5 ways you can help:
- Language matters
- Educate yourself
- Be Kind
- Listen and ask
- Talk about it
3. Start a conversation
Want to help create positive change, but don’t know how? Sometimes it’s hard to talk about mental illness.
Check out these resources in Bell’s toolkit:
- A conversation guide for individuals that can be used to lead your own discussion about mental health or talk with someone you might be concerned about.
- Templates for use in schools, communities, and workplaces.
4. Get help
If you are struggling in any way, please don't hesitate to ask for help. In BC, you can contact the BC Crisis Centre at any time.
Bell also has a number of resources and useful links on their website.
5. Read about others Taking Action
Bell is featuring 8 organization in 2020 who provide support and services to make a difference for people experiencing mental health challenges.
Read about these organizations.
6. Contact Us
Do you have any suggestions for how we can support mental health in our ultimate community and beyond? Please contact any of us whenever you wish.