WEBVTT

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I am Major-General
Marc Bilodeau,

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Surgeon General
of the Canadian Armed Forces.

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The pandemic has affected
our daily routines;

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physical distancing has replaced
crowds of people

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and mask wearing has become
the new normal.

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The pandemic has taken a toll
on many people's well-being,

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and in some cases this extends

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to challenges
with their mental health.

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Other events,

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such as the deterioration
of the situation in Afghanistan,

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and the troubling revelations
about conduct and culture

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within our institution
are also adding

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to the numerous stressors
imposed on our Defence Team.

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It has become
more important than ever

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to support one another.

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A healthy body and mind
are essential

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for our overall good health.

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We must accept that it is
the responsibility of each of us

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to monitor our lifestyles

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and determine
what changes are needed.

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Not being able to recognize
the signs of mental illness

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in ourselves and others
is only one of many barriers

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that prevent some people
from seeking support and care.

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We all have a role to play
in removing these barriers.

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We must therefore take action

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to increase awareness
about mental illness

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and do our part to reduce stigma

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by talking openly
about mental health.

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There is no shame
in using the resources

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that are available to us,
and so many advantages

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to sharing them
with those around us.

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As we participate in the 12th
annual Bell Let's Talk Campaign,

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we want our Defence Team
to know how important it is

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to "continue to support
yourself and others"

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as we navigate the various
challenges presented to us

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by the COVID-19 pandemic

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and the other challenges
our organization has experienced

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in the last year.

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The support you extend
to those around you,

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and the help you seek
for yourself,

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can make all the difference.

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Remember, if in need,

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take the opportunity
to talk to someone

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in your social support network

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including family,
friends, colleagues,

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chaplains or
health care professionals.

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If you see someone
struggling to cope,

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offer to help them with a task,

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direct them to care resources

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or simply offer to listen
to their concerns.

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These gestures may seem small,

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but can change the course
of someone's day entirely.

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There is a wide variety

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of mental health
and wellness resources

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available to Canadian
Armed Forces members,

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the cornerstone of which is
access to a mental health system

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founded in primary care

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and augmented by specialty
mental health care teams.

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Psychiatrists, psychologists,
social workers,

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mental health nurses,
addiction counsellors,

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chaplains, and community
health care providers

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are available to provide support
when you need it.

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I encourage civilian personnel

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to use
Employee Assistance Services

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and Canadian Armed Forces
members and their families

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to use the Canadian Forces
Members Assistance Program.

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These confidential support and
crisis services are available

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to you 24 hours a day,
7 days a week.

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Know that you are never alone,

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and that help is
always available

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to keep
our Defence Team healthy.

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Lastly, our leadership plays
a key role

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with regard
to employee wellness,

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and it has the responsibility
to protect

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the safety and health
of employees,

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which includes
their mental health.

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Often, the demands and pace of
our work can be overwhelming,

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in particular
in unprecedented circumstances

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such as the pandemic.

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I encourage
all managers and supervisors

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to live by example,

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by taking care
of their co-workers,

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both at the workplace
and in a remote work context,

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by maintaining an open dialogue
with employees

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and by applying healthy
management practices,

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keeping an open mind
about a progressive return

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to the workplace and encouraging

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a psychologically safe
work environment.

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This should be done
with a proper understanding

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of behaviour
that encourages teams

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and a positive and
healthy work environment.

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These are easy ways
to show and offer your support

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to those around you,

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and to mitigate
certain stressors

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in order to optimize
work-related mental health.

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The wellness
of all Defence Team members

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is a departmental priority.

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As such, we continue to be proud

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of participating in
the Bell Let's Talk initiative

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to support mental health.

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I encourage you to take
some time for yourself

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to participate in this year's
Bell Let's Talk Day.

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Help us support mental health,

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because together,
we can all make a difference.

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♪