#BellLetsTalk a hit across York Region, beyond

Newmarket Era
January 28, 2014
By Chris Traber

Today is Bell Let’s Talk Day, an initiative to end the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

As well, for every tweet, Facebook update or text message sent on Bell networks using #BellLetsTalk, Bell will donate 5¢ more to mental health initiatives.

The Canadian Mental Health Association, York Region Branch, has provided a comprehensive list of resources for residents who seek help for themselves or their loved ones.

Click here for a list of resources available to you.

Important mental health facts you can share:     

• Mood and anxiety disorders impact an estimated 22 per cent of the Canadian population.
• Mental health problems and illnesses also account for more than $6 billion in lost productivity costs due to absenteeism.
• At this moment, about 3 million Canadians are suffering from depression.    
• Every day, 500,000 Canadians miss work due to a form of mental illness.
• 27 per cent of Canadians are fearful of being around people who suffer from serious mental illness.
• Suicide accounts for 24 per cent of all deaths among 15 to 24-year-olds and 16 per cent among 25 to 44-year-olds.
• In Canada, one out of five children who needs mental health services receives them.   
• One in five Canadians will experience a form of mental illness at some point in their life.
• Less than 4 per cent of medical research funding goes to mental illness research.

Sources: The Mental Health Commission of Canada, Canadian Mental Health Association, Canadian Medical Association, Canadian Institute of Health Research,  Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health.

For information on Let’s Talk, visit letstalk.bell.ca/en/