#ICYMI – Bell Let’s Talk Day 2023: Creating positive change at Defence

February 9, 2023 - Defence Stories

On January 25, the Defence Team came together to recognize the 13^th annual Bell Let’s Talk Day by hosting a hybrid, in-person and virtual, panel discussion on mental health.

In-line with this year’s campaign theme: Let’s create positive change, panelists talked about:

• building awareness, acceptance, and action around mental health in the DND/CAF;
• shared personal stories about mental health struggles;
• provided insights into ways that personal mental health and well-being can be nurtured and improved; and
• responded to questions from Defence Team members.

Joint Mental Health Champion, Deputy Minister, Bill Matthews, offered his insights into what are steps that we can take to create and sustain positive change at Defence, including how to initiate conversations around mental health with our Defence Team colleagues.

“I think it's on all of us but I'll start with leaders. It's on us to create the environment for discussion and that begins with knowing your audience because we are all different individuals.”

He added that, “Depending on your comfort level, you can talk about your own personal experiences, and it could start with simply sharing what kind of day you're having just to open up the conversation.”

Joint Mental Health Champion, Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, Lieutenant-General Frances Allen, echoed the DM’s comments and underlined the importance of breaking down the barriers around mental stigma across the CAF.

“If you are a leader – whether in a squadron, on a ship, or on a base – it’s important to reflect on what we've talked about today. Regardless of the environment, we need be open and create an environment in which people feel comfortable to come to you or their peers, and feel safe that there won’t be repercussions by asking for help.”

Employee-level joint Mental Health Champion, Wanda Boudreau, provided some tips on how Defence Team members can keep their mental health in check as they prepare to return to the physical workplace over the coming weeks.

“Change is never easy. I would suggest that people reach out to family, friends, supervisors, and managers to talk about their issues and to be mindful of where they're at in their mental health space. Also, being in the outdoors, physical activity, and eating a little bit healthier can really help your mental health.”

These are just a few excerpts from this important discussion and all Defence Team members can listen to and watch a recording of the event to hear what all of the panelists had to say.

While Bell Let's Talk Day is only one day, members of the Defence Team are encouraged to continue to be part of the conversation throughout the year to break down the barriers surrounding mental health and to keep being there for ourselves and each other.

 “Thirty-one-out-of-thirty-seven clinics across the country have dedicated mental health professionals … we have social workers, mental health nurses, psychologists, psychiatrists, and from a programs perspective we have CFMAP [and EAP] – the Canadian Forces Member/ Employee Assistance Program” highlights Director Mental Health, Captain (Navy) Beck.

If you or someone you know needs help, reach out now. Help is always available for you and your families.