DT News: Bell Let’s Talk Day, Bravo Zulu to Sgt Matthew Gull, and the Maple Leaf on Canada.ca

(Julie-Anne) Today is Bell Let’s Talk Day, an annual event encouraging a national conversation about mental health.

(Shelley) The theme for this year’s campaign, now marking its 10th anniversary, is “Mental Health: Every Action Counts”. We spoke with the Surgeon General for the Canadian Armed Forces, Major-General Andrew Downes, to learn more about the large or small actions we can take to help create positive change for mental health.

(MGen Downes) The well-being of all of our Defence Team members is of utmost importance.

Mental health issues can have a tremendous impact on both our professional and personal lives.

The Canadian Armed Forces and the Department of National Defence are dedicated to fostering a safe and healthy workplace where both military and civilian staff are supported at work and feel safe seeking help for mental health issues.

Working within an organization like ours, no matter our role, can be stressful.

We know firsthand that it can be difficult for people to come forward and seek care.

They may be concerned about what their colleagues think, or feel they have let their team down.

I want to take this opportunity to remind all of you that recognizing when you or someone else needs help is not a sign of weakness-it’s a sign of strength.

It’s also the first step towards recovery. 

Early recognition of mental health problems and access to the right resources and treatment can help those who are struggling.

I encourage anyone experiencing mental health problems to seek care by contacting your health care provider, or by making use of Defence Team resources such as CFMAP (if you are military) or EAP (if you are a public servant). 

If you know someone who needs help, treat them with kindness and compassion, and encourage them to get the care that they need.

Together, we can all take action by creating a climate of support and understanding while ending the stigma around mental illness.

(J) Visit the Canadian Armed Forces Instagram and Facebook pages in the related links for discussion panel highlights from events happening in Winnipeg and Ottawa.

(S) And join the conversation about mental health on social media using hashtag (#) BellLetsTalk and (#) hashtag CAFLetsTalk

(J) Bravo Zulu to Sergeant Matthew Gull who was recently appointed to the Order of Military Merit.

(S) The Army Reservist and commander of the Canadian Ranger patrol in the Cree community of Peawanuck, received this honour in recognition of his outstanding commitment, dedication, and expertise as part of the Canadian Armed Forces.

(J) Throughout his 22 years as a Ranger, Sergeant Gull has participated in dozens of search and rescue operations and trained fellow members in how to survive and operate in the North.

(S) He continues to impart his survival skills onto Junior Canadian Rangers and is involved in a variety of community activities as a volunteer.

(J) Before we go, a head’s up that the Maple Leaf online platform will have a new home on Canada.ca starting next week.

(S) This enduring symbol of our country and defence tradition will continue to tell the stories of Canada’s Defence Team.

(J) Visit the related links to explore the new platform.