Today is Bell Let’s Talk day across Canada. Its a day aimed at raising awareness for mental illness among all Canadians.
Since being diagnosed with Anxiety and Depression last year, this has become a topic and a cause very close to my heart. There is still so much stigma around any type of mental illness that it is difficult for those suffering, or those closest to them, to talk about it.
If you read through my blog posts from early to mid last year, you will come across a post in which I am very open about my experience. Last year in March, I was diagnosed and underwent treatment (including therapy and medication) in order to control my anxiety and depression in order to function in work and life.
For me, my treatment plan with my doctor worked out well for me and today, my anxiety and depression is mostly under control. Do I still have stress? Of course…even bad days, but nothing compared to what I was experiencing before treatment. My symptoms were chronic chest pain (amplified by stress), inability to focus, memory issues, insomnia, and helplessness. I had to take some time off work, which was a huge stress for me, wondering what was being said while I was away, or what would happen to my projects.
But as I mentioned, the tr
eatment plan worked and I want to tell others that you don’t have to suffer alone. Talk to someone, friends, family, a doctor. You would be surprised how many people struggle with this and can offer advice or just be there to listen when you need it. I also strongly recommend consulting your doctor. However you feel about medication, there are different treatment options available that your doctor can help you with choosing.
I struggled with this for a couple of years before I had essentially a breakdown which forced me to take some more drastic measures in my life in order to recover. But if you start feeling like you may be suffering from any mental illness, and you open the discussion with the right people early enough, you could learn how to manage it early enough to avoid serious or life-threatening episodes.
So today, please support Mental Illness. Bell will be the one donating, all you have to do is what some of you already do – use social media!
Today, January 25th, every time you do the following, Bell will donate $0.05 to mental health initiatives…
- If you are a Bell subscriber – every call or text
- Use #BellLetsTalk on Twitter and Instagram
- Watch the Bell Let’s Talk video on Facebook
- Use the Bell Let’s Talk GeoFilter on Snapchat
Finally, a good excuse to spend the day talking, texting and on social media!
You will be supporting a great cause, and you never know, you could end up helping yourself, or someone close to you.
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