Talking about your Mental Health

This year, the theme of Bell Let’s Talk Day is Keep Listening, Keep Talking and being there for ourselves and each other. With this in mind, we want to help you start a dialogue about your own mental health and how to access support. Although every circumstance is unique, here are a few helpful tips to get started.

What to do if someone Approaches you about your Mental Health

Just as you might approach someone about their mental health, there may also be a time that someone expresses their concerns about you. Recognize that it was probably difficult for them to approach you in the first place and although this may be an uncomfortable conversation, thank the person for their concern and for starting the conversation. You may want to ask, while suspending any judgement, what brought them to approach you in the first place and to take time to reflect on that feedback. You can ask yourself:

• Have I been feeling, thinking or behaving differently lately?
• Have circumstances in my life changed and added stress or anxiety?
• Could I benefit from seeking help or support from an expert?
• Have I been hesitant to seek help in the past? If so, why?

Remember, if you need to ask for help, it’s okay. If you are comfortable and they are willing, ask the individual who reached out to you to assist you in finding supports that could assist you. At the bottom of this article, you will see a list of recommended resources that can help you get started.

Create a Toolkit of Resources

Whether you’re reaching out to someone you know or someone has approached you, it’s helpful to build a toolkit of resources so they are easy to access when necessary. Below are some of our suggestions. In addition, you can check out Wellness Together Canada or the Bell Let’s Talk Day Get Help page for a comprehensive list of resources available across the country.

• CMHA York Region and South Simcoe Supportive Telephone Counselling Line: Available Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call 1-866-345-0183
• Community Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Response Service: Available 24/7 for people living in York Region, South Simcoe, or North York who are having a mental health crisis and require urgent care. Call 1-855-310-COPE (2673)
• BounceBack Ontario: Free guided self-help program for adults and youth (15 years or older) experiencing mild-to-moderate anxiety or depression. More information at bouncebackontario.ca.
• Mobile Youth Walk-In Clinic (MOBYSS): Individuals between the ages of 12 to 25 can be seen by a counsellor, peer support worker or Nurse Practitioner to discuss confidential health care and mental health needs. More information at mobyss.ca.

Not sure how to check in with a friend or family member about their mental health? Check out our latest blog post to learn how you can start the conversation.