Bell Let’s Talk Day is a time to talk about mental health

The theme of Bell Let’s Talk Day is taking a moment for mental health.

The Canadian Mental Health Association Sudbury Manitoulin offers a safe space and welcoming environment to help people start that conversation.

People age 16 and older can walk through the doors of the CMHA Sudbury Manitoulin to get support. There is also a self-referral available by computer.

“Many people don’t know who to go to or where to go to start talking about mental health, so we want to reduce as many barriers as possible to make it easier for people to reach out -- because we know that’s very hard to do,” said Aleisha Savage, CMHA Sudbury Manitoulin manager of community development and housing.

Dana Carbone is an intake worker, a first point of contact when someone seeks help.

“We want to reduce that stigma around mental health,” Carbone said.

“A lot of people might feel uncertain about reaching out for support. So we want to be very welcoming and encouraging for individuals to come in and access anything that they might need support with.”

The CMHA said it’s important people talk about mental health and supports the theme of taking a moment for mental health on Bell Let’s Talk Day.

Reducing the stigma

‘It’s extremely important,” said Savage.

“Many people don’t talk about mental health and although we aim to reduce stigma, part of doing that is actually taking action and making it easier for people to start that conversation.”

“The theme this year is kind of just opening up the conversation and trying to connect with either your own mental health and understanding your own self-care or connecting with others and checking in on them and their mental health,” Carbone said.

“So, trying to build those communications and chatting with others about mental health and the importance of getting support if you need it.”

Officials with Bell Let’s Talk Day said it’s a day dedicated to mental health awareness, acceptance and action.