Bell Let’s Talk – Let’s create positive change

January 24, 2023 - Defence Stories

This year, as we participate in the 13th annual Bell Let’s Talk Campaign, we want our Defence Team members to remember how important it is to help increase awareness and end the stigma around mental illness. The campaign, called “Let’s create positive change,” aims to highlight the mental health issues that Canadians are facing, and ways in which we can all take action.

The hand you extend to another, and the help you seek for yourself, can make all the difference. Remember: if in need, take the opportunity to talk to someone in your social support network including family, friends, colleagues, chaplains or health care professionals. If you see someone struggling to cope, offer to help them with a task, direct them to care resources, or simply listen to their concerns. These gestures may seem small, but can change the course of someone’s day, and even their life.

A healthy body and mind are essential for our overall health. We must accept that it is the responsibility of each of us to monitor our lifestyles and determine what changes are needed. Not being able to recognize the signs of mental illness in ourselves and others is one of many barriers that prevent some people from seeking support and care.

Further, we must do our part to reduce stigma by talking openly about mental health.

There is a wide variety of mental health and wellness resources available to Canadian Armed Forces members, the cornerstone of which is access to a mental health system founded in primary care and augmented by specialty mental health care teams. Psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, mental health nurses, addiction counsellors, chaplains, and community health care providers are available to provide support when you need it. I encourage civilian personnel to use Employee Assistance Services and Canadian Armed Forces members and their families to use the Canadian Forces Members Assistance Program. These confidential support and crisis services are available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Know that you are never alone, and that help is always available.

Lastly, leaders play a key role with regards to employee wellness, and have the responsibility of protecting the safety and health of employees, which includes their mental health. Often, the demands and pace of our work are challenging. I encourage all managers and supervisors to lead by example, by taking care of their co-workers, by maintaining an open dialogue with employees and by applying healthy management practices.

The wellness of all Defence Team members is a Canadian Forces Health Services priority. I encourage you to make it yours, too, and take some time to participate in this year’s Bell Let’s Talk Day activities. Help us support mental health, because together, we can all make a difference.

Major-General Marc Bilodeau                                           

Surgeon General of the Canadian Armed Forces