Happy New Year and Happy Lunar New Year!
Welcome, 2023 and the Year of the Rabbit!
If you are like me, you are completely ready for new beginnings in this new year. Not in the same vein of, ‘new year, new you’ that we are flooded with this month by advertisers, but more of a fresh start, overall. A chance to consider new ideas, opportunities and fresh perspectives. My hope for 2023 is to bring more connection, kindness and compassion for us all.
January has long been an important month for those of us working in the mental health sector. Blue Monday, the third Monday of the month, has been recognized as one of the most difficult days of the year. The holiday bills are rolling in, the hours of daylight are few and there are still many months of winter ahead. In recent years, the Bell Let’s Talk campaign has been at the forefront of bringing national awareness to the importance of mental health, each year on January 25th. It has also been fraught with controversy, with some challenging their motives, is it about self promotion or promotion of mental health? This year, rather than donating 5 cents per online interaction, they are donating $10 million towards their goal of $155 million to support mental healthcare in Canada. This kind of commitment is something we can definitely get behind!
The Bell Let’s Talk campaign is moving beyond awareness to action in 2023. Also, their ad campaign is based on some sobering national statistics:
- More than 200 Canadians will attempt suicide every day; twelve will die;
- 56% of people struggling in this country are not getting the help they need; and
- One in four Canadians have been experiencing high levels of anxiety.
Check out the campaign and resources at https://letstalk.bell.ca/ and be part of the change!
Please help us help our community. We need you, more than ever.
As always, we couldn’t do what we do without you!
If you would like to assist us in providing low-cost, quality mental health support, please consider donating. As a registered charity, you will receive a tax receipt. Thanks for helping keep the Momentum!
