Today’s the day! Today Bell will donate more towards mental health initiatives in Canada by contributing 5¢ for every applicable text, call, tweet or TikTok video using #BellLetsTalk, social media video view and use of the Facebook frame or Snapchat lens. Today, let’s help make these actions count! So far today (#) interactions have taken place from coast to coast to coast and around the world, all in the name of mental health and ending the stigma around mental illness. (Visit the Bell Let’s Talk website to view the number of interactions) Together, the students, staff and families of Sooke School District 62 can help create positive change in our community.
Listening with empathy
According to CAMH, listening to someone and giving them an opportunity to be heard is often one of the best things you can do for someone who is facing a mental health challenge. To open up a conversation and let someone know you’re listening, here are some things you could say:
- “I’m here for you.”
- “I would like to hear more about what’s been going on with you.”
- “When is a good time to talk?”
It’s our tendency to jump to problem solving when we want to help, but slowing down and just being with the person gives them a chance to feel connected and think about what would be most helpful for them.
It’s important to show empathy, by putting yourself in their shoes, showing them you care and appreciate that they are going through a difficult time. Depending on what the person discloses, you can ask them if you could help them in any way.
To help you begin a dialogue about mental health, the Bell Let’s Talk Conversation Guides were created. The guides provide information and resources on how you can facilitate a one-on-one dialogue or a group conversation in your community about mental health. They also have guidelines on how to have conversations with people you care about and may be concerned about.
To learn more about how to help yourself and others, check out: Ways to help | Bell Let’s Talk