More than 1 in 2 people struggling with their mental health aren’t getting the help they need.

January 18, 2023

Bell Let’s Talk has a vision of a Canada where everyone can get the mental health support they need.

One in four Canadians have been experiencing high levels of anxiety.

The number of opioid overdose deaths in Canada went up more than 90% during the pandemic. It’s now 20 per day.

Help a friend struggling with mental health issues by learning ways to support them.

Mental Health First Aidor Psychological First Aid
Find a local provider such as the Mental Health Commission of Canada, St. John Ambulance and Canadian Red Cross
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) or safeTALK training, available through various providers including some local CMHA branches

Become an Opioid Harm Reduction Champion with a free self-directed online course from Canadian Red Cross.

There are important reasons to start talking about mental health. For instance, mental health issues are among the most widespread health issues in the country, and there are implications for everyone. One in three Canadians will experience a mental illness at some point in their lives; however, many people are hesitant about talking to coworkers, friends or family members about mental health and seeking treatment. While you may not experience mental health challenges firsthand, it is likely that you know someone who has or will have a mental illness. For anyone facing challenges with their mental health, stigma (i.e., negative attitudes and discrimination) is one of the biggest hurdles to overcome. In fact, it is the leading reason why two-thirds of people living with mental health issues do not seek help.

Mental illness Mental illnesses include a broad range of problems with different symptoms. However, they are generally characterized by some combination of changes in or disruptions of typical thoughts, emotions, behavior, and relationships with others (WHO, 2011).

Mental health is not the opposite of mental illness. Mental health means well-being rather than just living without an illness. You can have good mental health while living with a mental illness and poor mental health even though you do not have a mental illness.

On January 25 and every day throughout the year, we can all take meaningful action to create positive change. Share your actions using #BellLetsTalk to help inspire others!