Bell let's Talk graphic

January 29 is Bell Let’s Talk Day, a day dedicated to increasing awareness and conversation about mental health.

So what can you do? Here are five ways to end the stigma and start a conversation.

  • Language Matters
  • Educate yourself
  • Be kind
  • Listen and ask
  • Talk about it

You can also help raise awareness by sharing on your social media channels. Bell will donate 5¢ for every applicable text, call, tweet, social media video view, and use of the Bell Let’s Talk Facebook frame or Snapchat filter. Make sure you use #BellLetsTalk. Check out the the Bell Let’s Talk Website for more information, or you can get involved right here on campus.

Several MacEwan University departments are supporting this cause and hosting events throughout campus leading up to and on Bell Let’s Talk Day. Here are some of the ways you can get involved:

  1. Make Some Noise for Mental Health (Jan 18) – The Men’s hockey team will face off against Concordia in their annual Make Some Noise Game. This game will focus on raising awareness around mental health. Puck drop at the Downtown Arena is at 7 p.m. Pick up your FREE ticket at Sport and Wellness, Residence, or any table display.
  2. Table Displays (Jan 22 -29) – Located throughout campus, these tables will engage students, staff, and the general public regarding mental health awareness and the Bell Let’s Talk campaign. There will be FREE Griffins tickets, mental health resources, wellness activities, Bell Let’s Talk Toques, and other prizing. Stop by and say hi.
  3. Bell Let’s Talk Word Bubbles (Jan 22-29) – Fill out a word bubble with your own personalized positive message about mental health. Word bubble are available throughout campus and will be posted on the pedway glass walls in Building 8. Let’s try to completely cover the pedway with positivity!
  4. Bell Let’s Talk Griffins Game (Jan 24) – Join the Griffins Basketball teams as they play in their annual Bell Let’s Talk Game. The game is part of a USport initiative to help raise awareness for mental health. Griffins will play UBC in the David Atkinson gymnasium starting at 6 p.m., with the men’s game to follow. Pick up your FREE ticket at any table display, Sport and Wellness, or in Residence.
  5. Write, Text, Tweet, Hashtag! (Jan 29) – on Bell Let’s Talk Day, join the conversation. Let’s raise awareness about mental health by writing messages on our Bell Let’s Talk banner (Building 8), texting, tweeting, calling, and using the social media filters. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #BellLetsTalk for all your social media posts!

Join the conversation, and remember to be kind, listen, ask, and talk about it. Together, we can end the stigma around Mental Health.

by Taryn Taylor