Canadian Armed Forces Participate in 'Bell Let's Talk' Day Through a Panel Discussion on Mental Health

News Release

January 28, 2015

OTTAWA — The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) conducted a panel discussion on mental health in support of Bell Let’s Talk’s campaign against stigma surrounding mental illness today.

The fifth annual Bell Let’s Talk Day on Wednesday, January 28, 2015, invited all Canadians to help end the stigma surrounding mental illness and support mental health initiatives around the country by talking, texting, and tweeting about mental health. As a partner of Bell, the Department of National Defence and the CAF are proud to support this important initiative to continue the conversation around mental health and the stigma attached to mental illness.

Members of the panel included Andrew Jensen, Professional Golfer and Bell Let’s Talk Ambassador, Master Warrant Officer Jason Pickard, Major Réjean Richard, and Lieutenant-Colonel Suzanne Bailey, CAF Senior Social Worker. The event was moderated by Lieutenant-Colonel Richard Perreault, Commandant, Canadian Forces Language School, and CTV Ottawa News at 6 anchor Graham Richardson.

Attendees were senior leaders form the Defence Team, including numerous General and Flag Officers, Command Chief Warrant Officers, and wide representation from civilian employees and military personnel of all ranks from within the National Capital Region.

Quick Facts

Questions were sought from CAF members through social media prior to the campaign, and members in Ottawa were invited to attend the discussion to ask questions of their own. Questions asked included:
- How are you identifying and helping those that are under the radar, and in need of help, but hiding it?
- What can be done to help families feel more included in their loved one’s health progression?
- What was the final push for you to come forward and get help?
Canadians were asked to share ideas for stigma reduction through the Canadian Armed Forces’ Facebook page. Ideas shared included:
- “Acknowledge people. Sometimes just a simple smile can cheer someone’s soul. Say hello, and let them know you see them. Anything can lead into a conversation, small or large. No expense to you, and very little time!”
- “There exists a culture within all armed services, whereby seeking help is seen as weak. Personnel need to know that they can seek assistance without fear of any sort of reprisal including threat of diminished career advancement, being seen as untrustworthy or ‘not having your comrades back.’”
- “Fear of the unknown is the main cause of stigma, therefore we must educate the masses. Once people know the truth about any or all mental illnesses, we may be able to reduce its impact on society as a whole.”
If you or someone you know requires emergency mental health assistance, seek help through your health care provider, your local emergency department or call 911. Help is also available by calling the CAF Member Assistance Program at 1-800-268-7708 (open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year) or going to the nearest CAF health clinic or civilian emergency health care centre.

Quotes

“This whole notion of Let’s Talk Day goes both ways. It’s encouraging people struggling to talk, but I think if you’re a family member or a friend or a loved one, being there for them and showing someone that they matter and that they’re worth something, goes so far.”
Andrew Jensen
Professional Golfer and Bell Let’s Talk Ambassador

“All of us, in our day-to-day lives, we see people and we say how are you. Too often, we don’t actually listen for the response or take the time to stop and let the person know that we really, genuinely want to know how they’re doing. So I think it’s about taking that pause and really connecting with people, because it’s when you spend time with them and listen to them, that they feel that they have that opportunity to be honest and connect with you.”
Lieutenant-Colonel Suzanne Bailey
CAF Senior Social Worker

“[Seeking treatment] is the most courageous thing I’ve ever had to do. If you break a leg, you’re going to go get a cast. Mental injuries should be the same way. The system does work. If you use the system to your advantage, use all the resources that are there, are honest with yourself, honest with your therapist and doctors, it will work. I feel great. I should have done this 20 years ago.”
Major Réjean Richard

“Leadership has an open-door policy. Soldiers can come in and talk to their leadership. Sometimes, when somebody comes and sees you, you have to take off the rank, take off the uniform, go to a neutral location and just talk. Share your experiences, because you both experience the exact same hardships.”
Master Warrant Officer Jason Pickard

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Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
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Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

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2016-12-14

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Canadian Armed Forces Participate in 'Bell Let's Talk' Day Through a Panel Discussion on Mental Health

News Release

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