Let's change this

Bell Let’s Talk Day encourages Canadians to support themselves and each other


 

Bell Let's Talk 2023 is on Wednesday, Jan. 25, but at MRU we talk about mental health every day. Join the continuing conversation on Main Street from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to learn about supports available year-round and enter to win a $50 or $25 Everything Gift Card. Students can also sign up for free yoga classes beginning at 3 p.m.

“The more we can work to de-stigmatize mental illness and discussions of mental health, the more we can encourage folks to reach out for help and remind them that it’s okay to get support,” says Michelle Chimenti, mental health outreach coordinator at MRU.

Bell Let’s Talk encourages Canadians to continue the conversation, and Chimenti says that MRU is proud to participate on Jan. 25. This year, the University will host a virtual event using an interactive digital environment named Padlet.

“The campus community is invited to share their thoughts on how to care for one’s mental health, tools that have helped with their mental health, or suggestions on how to destigmatize mental illness, through Padlet — a digital bulletin board,” Chimenti says.

“In this virtual space, people can view, comment and ‘like’ what others are sharing, in addition to posting their own messages.”

Applications like Padlet help individuals who feel uncomfortable reaching out by offering them an opportunity to share anonymously.

Also on Jan. 25, the MRU Live Well Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts will be active, supported through other campus social media accounts.

This year, Bell is ending its annual practice of donating five cents each time someone uses the phrase “Bell Let’s Talk” on the day. Instead, the telecom giant will make a $10-million lump sum donation to Canadian mental-health initiatives, more than it has committed on any previous Bell Let’s Talk Day.

More than five million Canadians have been supported with access to mental-health services through programs funded by Bell Let’s Talk, and one in three say they have taken action related to mental health since the campaign began in 2010.

Funding mental health programs

A portion of the funds raised through MRU's Giving Day goes towards creating plans for sustainable funding where gaps in mental health programming have been found. Mount Royal's Development team is working with Wellness Services and the Students’ Association of Mount Royal University to provide the most impact possible.

Available resources in support of mental health

Wellness Services provides comprehensive services and programs for the campus community. There are a number of one-on-one and online options available, with a variety of health-care practitioners on hand:

Student Counselling recently introduced single session counselling, which supports students to address concerns during a 75-minute session.

24/7 online mental health resources are available through Therapy Assistance Online or TAO.

Togetherall is a safe, online community where people assist each other anonymously to improve mental health and well-being. MRU students can sign up for free.

CampusWell is an online magazine that covers a range of topics about health and well-being.

MRU’s mental-health website is a resource where students can find information about on- and off-campus resources, including:

  • Mental health nurses
  • Physicians and psychiatrist
  • Workshops
  • Peer to Peer Mental Health Education program
  • Support groups

Mental Health Blackboard

This free module helps orient users to the basics around student mental health, the difference between mental health and mental illness, ways to stay healthy, help others and get involved, as well as resources on campus and online.

Register for the module and it will show up as a tab on Blackboard to explore whenever is convenient.

Get active at Recreation

Physical activity has a significant impact on mental well-being. Students needing a little exercise can sweat it out at Recreation for free on campus.