#stigma Bell Lets Talk 2024-

22 January 2024

Categories: thinking

Bell Let's Talk (@bell_letstalk) • Instagram photos and videos

Stigma
Although one in three Canadians will experience a mental illness at some point in their lives, many
don’t seek out the treatment or support they need because of fear of stigmatization.
Stigma includes both a negative attitude and the physical act of discrimination that results from
the negative bias. Stigma means thinking less of a person because of their condition.
Stigma can make people feel unwanted and ashamed. It is often harder to deal with than the
illness itself.
Stigmatization of mental illness may interact with other forms of stigma related to social identities,
such as race, gender and sexuality. Stigma is especially difficult for people living with these conditions
because it can create barriers to accessing necessary social and structural supports. This can result in
further experiences of stigma (Jackson-Best & Edwards, 2018).

Addressing Stigma:
These are some ways to talk about mental illness, show your support and help those who are facing
mental health challenges seek help:

• Be kind: Small acts of kindness make a big difference.
• Educate yourself: Learn about and talk more about
the signs of mental illness.
• Language matters: Pay attention to the words you
use about mental health and illness.
• Listen and ask: Sometimes, it’s best to just listen.
• Talk about it: Start a dialogue and break the silence.

Stigma is…

Stigma = negative attitudes (prejudice) + negative responses (discrimination)
Stigma means thinking less of a person because of who they are
Stigma can make a person feel unwanted and shamed and can prevent people from seeking help

Ways to stop stigma:

✓Treat everyone with respect

✓Be warm, caring and nonjudgmental

✓Challenge stigma when you see it

✓Be mindful of the language you use

✓Learn the facts about mental health and mental illness

✓Help raise awareness about mental health

WORKSAFE BC Occupational First Level 1 Feburary 8th & 24th- PRINCETON!

16 January 2024

Categories: happening

Join us for 1st Aid!

Occupational First Aid Training Level 1, British Columbia | Metro Safety

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First Aid Attendant Certification

In B.C., workplace first aid attendants must have a certificate that’s recognized by WorkSafeBC. There are three levels of occupational first aid (OFA) and one OFA certificate endorsement. The level of first aid services required for a workplace depends on the number of workers, distance to medical aid, and industry hazard rating.

OFA Level 1	Basic level first aid training and certification
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Bell Let’s Talk: Jan 24th, 2024

16 January 2024

Categories: thinking

Bell Let’s Talk Day Workplace Initiatives | 2024

Join us in championing mental health with Bell Let’s Talk Day initiatives. Discover impactful strategies to enhance workplace wellbeing, foster a supportive culture, and empower your team. At the Princeton Skills Centre we just love FREE resources for our Communities!

Bell Lets Talk Tools and Resources

What is Bell Let’s Talk Day?

Bell Canada made Let’s Talk to reduce the stigma around mental illness, Canada’s biggest business commitment to mental health.

For every hashtag #BellLetsTalk on social media platforms, phone call, or text, Bell will donate 5 cents in support of mental health programs. Bell Let’s Talk recently revealed the 115 beneficiaries of its 2023 Community Fund, allocating $2 million in grants to various community-centered mental health groups.

How high do you think we can get this number in 2024?

When Is Bell Let’s Talk Day 2024?

Mark your calendars! Bell Let’s Talk Day is coming up on Wednesday, January 24, 2024. Around this important date, it’s the perfect opportunity to introduce mental health initiatives in your workplace. This is a pivotal time to demonstrate your commitment to mental health awareness and to show your employees that you stand with them in supporting this cause. Initiating these conversations and activities around Bell Let’s Talk Day sends a powerful message of support and understanding, fostering a more inclusive and empathetic work environment.

How Should My Company Support Bell Let’s Talk Day?

1. Set time aside to talk

One of the main reasons Bell Let’s Talk day is so important is because it starts the conversation about mental health. Whether you’re a mentor or manager, everyone in an organization can help end the stigma associated with mental health. Depending on the size of your organization, have groups set aside time during the day to simply communicate.

Remember, nobody has to open up about their deepest darkest secrets and thoughts in these conversations! But, provide a comfortable space where your employees feel comfortable enough to share more about their lives.

Here are some conversation starters:

“What does ending the stigma mean to you?”
“This weather change has taken a toll on my mood lately. How are you folks feeling?”
“What have been the largest stressors in your life in the last 4 weeks? How can I help you?”
“How can I help make your work experience more enjoyable?”

These questions can get the dialogue going and make your team feel more at ease.

It can often be helpful to express an aspect of your personal life to get the conversation flowing. This shows employees that the space is safe to be vulnerable in. Again, it doesn’t need to be anything too deep to inspire conversations, a personal story such as, “I really used to struggle with Sunday-night anxiety about work. I would start answering emails on Sunday afternoon just to ‘get ahead,’ but that really prevented me from getting rest and balance over the weekend. Now I remove my email from my phone all weekend and remind myself how important it is to have space from work. Does this happen to anyone else?” can go a really long way.

2. Offer Corporate Wellness Sessions On Mental Health

Addressing employee mental health is often a neglected aspect in the corporate world, but it’s a crucial one. At the Skills Centre, we’re committed to changing this narrative every single day. We understand that the pressures of work and life can be overwhelming, and that’s why we want to share a diverse range of resources designed for employees grappling with stress and anxiety. AS a grand community advocate and champion, we want to continue ensuring that every team, regardless of its unique needs and challenges, finds the perfect fit for its mental health and wellness journey.

We recognize that eradicating stress entirely from the workplace is an unrealistic goal. However, equipping employees with the right tools to manage stress can make a significant difference. By prioritizing employees’ wellness, a bit of time and energy, you are not only aiding your employees in managing their current stress levels but also proactively building a more resilient and mentally healthy workforce for the future.

Incorporating year-long initiatives and resources into your Bell Let’s Talk Day activities is more than just a one-day commitment; it’s a step towards cultivating a culture of continuous support and understanding within your organization. It’s about showing your employees that their mental health is a priority every day of the year.

3. Raise Money For Local Mental Health Organizations

Fundraising for local mental health organizations is a meaningful way to participate in Bell Let’s Talk Day. Encouraging your team to rally behind a cause not only contributes to a greater good but also strengthens the sense of community and purpose within your company. You can select an organization that resonates with your team’s values or has a personal connection to someone in your workplace.

There are numerous creative and engaging ways to fundraise: organize a cinnamon bun sale in the office, host a 5 km walk or run event, or arrange a group volunteer day with a local mental health organization. These activities are not just fundraising opportunities; they also offer a chance for team building and fostering a more cohesive and connected work environment.

Here’s a short directory of reputable Canadian mental health organizations that you could consider supporting:

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA): One of Canada’s most established mental health organizations, CMHA offers a range of services and supports to those experiencing mental health issues.

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH): CAMH is Canada’s largest mental health teaching hospital and one of the world’s leading research centers in the area of addiction and mental health.

Kids Help Phone:Offering 24/7 counseling and information services for young people, Kids Help Phone is an invaluable resource for youth in Canada.

Mood Disorders Society of Canada: Focused on providing support, education, and advocacy for those affected by mood disorders.

The Strongest Families Institute: This organization delivers evidence-based services to children and families seeking help for mental health and other issues impacting health and well-being.

Anxiety Disorders Association of Canada: Dedicated to offering support and resources to those suffering from anxiety disorders.

MindYourMind: An organization focused on young adults, providing resources and tools to help manage mental health and wellness.

Homewood Health: A leader in mental health and addiction services, providing a broad spectrum of care for individuals and families across Canada.

Bellwood Health Services:Specializing in addiction treatment and mental health recovery, offering a variety of programs and services.

Wellness Together Canada:A mental health and substance use support portal offering free online resources, tools, apps, and connections to trained volunteers and qualified mental health professionals.

By choosing to support these organizations, your company not only contributes to the betterment of mental health services and awareness in Canada but also reinforces the importance of mental wellbeing in your workplace culture. This Bell Let’s Talk Day, make a difference in the lives of many by aligning your company’s efforts with these noble causes.

4. Encourage Participation In Bell Lets Talk

There are many ways you and your employees can participate in Bell Let’s Talk Day! Engaging is easier than ever before. Encourage your team to use their smartphones and interact with the Bell Let’s Talk hashtags, filters, or frames on popular social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and Facebook.

In addition to digital engagement, consider hanging informative and supportive posters around your office. These can spark conversations and show your commitment to mental health awareness. These visual prompts can be powerful reminders and conversation starters, reinforcing the importance of mental health in the workplace.

Your employees are likely to use at least one of these social media apps during the day, so why not make it count for a good cause? For each interaction with Bell Let’s Talk content, Bell donates 5 cents to mental health initiatives. Rally your team to participate, whether it’s through digital engagement or thoughtful discussions sparked by the posters. Every action counts towards making a significant difference.

5. Bring Regular Mental Health Conversation Into The Office Year-Round

Do not let Bell Let’s Talk Day be the only time your office ever hears the conversation about mental health and vulnerability. Use the momentum created by this day to continue the conversation.

Try blocking off a small amount of time each month to continue this conversation with your employees. This will be beneficial to create an overall more open environment and help you understand your employee’s mental health.

6. Work On Expanding Your Employee’s Perspectives

Educate yourself and your employees on the myths around mental health. Take time to share new information revolving around this subject.

Are there any new good educational podcasts you can recommend for your employees? The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos is a strong option!

Commit to recognizing signs of stress in the workplace. Be present when checking in with your employees.

Make speaking about mental health a regular occurrence. Encourage your employees to share their thoughts and feelings, and be sure to empathize with them. Always continue learning and educating yourself and your employees.

Any of the actions spoken about in this blog can be held on any day, it does not have to be #BellLetsTalk day. Be the difference and make mental health a regular topic in your workplace. Collectively, we will be able to remove the stigma that follows mental health around.

Additional Resources For Teams:

Canadian Mental Health Hot-Lines:

Free and confidential mental health and substance use support is available 24/7.

Youth phone number: 686868

Adult phone number: 741741

Suicide Crisis Help Line: GET HELP 988.ca CALL or TEXT 988

The direct link is below:

Get Help

The Skills Centre wants to be a part of a well and vital community. We believe that starts with open, stigma-free conversations about being real humans, who are imperfect and true.

We are Better Together Princeton and Area and remember, You are never alone… xox your friends at the Princeton Skills Centre.

Archive: January 2024