January 30th marks the annual Bell Let’s Talk Day. On January 30th Canadian Telecommunications Company Bell will donate 5 cents to mental health initiatives for every text sent by Bell customers, for every mobile and long distance call made by Bell customers, for every time anyone views the Bell Let’s Talk Day video (on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or Snapchat), tweets with #BellLetsTalk, uses the Bell Let’s Talk Day Facebook frame or uses the Bell Let’s Talk Day Snapchat filter. All of these funds go towards grants in the range of $5,000 to $25,000 that improve access to mental health care services in Canada. In 2018 the Victoria based groups who received grants were Megaphone & Hope in Shadows, which promotes mental health among the homeless, and Need2, a suicide prevention and education initiative.
But social media is not the only aspect of Bell Let’s Talk Day. We can also take action to make a difference with our peers and in our communities. A university can be a stressful place for both students and staff. It’s important to take care of yourself and also look out for your friends and colleagues. A good way you can help is to be a good listener and ask your friends how they are feeling if they seem not quite themselves. You should avoid expressions that minimize how a person might be feeling, such as “you’ll get over it” or “just relax.” Bell Let’s talk day also aims to reduce the stigma around seeking help for and discussing mental health issues and the language we use is a big component of that.
For our own part, UVic’s EFAP provider Morneau Shepell offers a number of resources that can help you to make your workplace a more mentally healthy place. These include:
- Queen’s Workplace Mental Health Leadership certification program
- Respect in the Workplace webinar
- Mental health in the Workplace workshop
- Mental Health Awareness seminar
You can view the entire suite of mental health training programs on the Workplace Learning Solutions site here. If you need more information or help booking training, please contact by email or phone at 1.855.409.5552.
Managers and leaders can access confidential Manager Consultations 24/7 by phone or chat on workhealthlife.com and My EAP app. Manager Consultations can address a wide range of sensitive workplace and employee situations and help leaders develop an effective action plan. Common topics include:
- Mental health issues
- Performance issues
- Team conflict and communication
The EFAP is a confidential, safe place to find mental health support anytime, anywhere. Whether it’s learning about warning signs, tips on helping a struggling colleague or family member, or seeking counselling for you, just reach out by phone or visit workhealthlife.com.