Bell Let’s Talk Day 2024
Bell Let’s Talk Day 2024
Bell Let’s Talk Day is an annual event for Canadians to come together and raise awareness about mental health issues. At CATC, we recognize the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction, which too often deters people from asking for help.
Addiction is a complex disease that affects people from all walks of life and vastly different circumstances, as well as the people around them. Despite the idea that “everyone with addiction is homeless”, in Ontario, only 1 in 6 people who die of overdose are unhoused. Sadly, the facts are stark: 1 in 2 Canadians aren’t getting the qualified help they need for their mental health, and 21 people are dying from opioid overdose every day.
Substance use issues are often triggered or worsened by underlying mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety or PTSD, which can make it even more difficult to overcome. That is why it is so important to talk openly and honestly about addiction and mental health, so that no one feels ashamed to ask for support when they need it.
Throughout our national care network, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive, evidence-based treatment for people struggling with addiction and mental health issues in a judgment-free environment. Within our inpatient care network and virtual programs, we work closely with each client to develop an individualized care plan that addresses their unique needs and mental health challenges. We also help people with specific types of trauma, including veterans, first responders and Indigenous communities.
At our over 70 outpatient opioid use disorder treatment centres, patients get instant access to a doctor who helps them stabilize their drug intake, so that they can begin the recovery process safely. We also embed anti-stigma training into our onboarding process, so new staff learn about how language matters and false narratives around addiction are harmful to the people we support.
This year’s Let’s Talk theme and call to action is CHANGE:
C – Choose a mental health organization to learn about
H – Help a friend
A – Ask about mental health supports
N – Nurture your own well-being
G – Get involved
E – Engage in conversations
We live the value of creating change all year long. Our friendly and inclusive care teams are passionately dedicated to changing peoples’ lives for the better, and helping them reach their personal recovery goals, at any stage.
We promote CHANGE in our own way too, through:
C – Care and Compassion
H – Honouring people’s stories
A – Always staying Accountable
N – Never passing judgment
G – Going above and beyond
E – Encouraging empathy and kindness
We believe that by working together with community partners, policy makers, health care providers, the people we care for and their loved ones, we can break down barriers to treatment and support, helping those struggling with addiction and mental health issues to lead happier, healthier and safer lives.
This Bell Let’s Talk Day, make a commitment to CHANGE. Learn the facts, get informed about mental health supports, start conversations and reach out to help someone in need. If that someone is you, the first step to getting help can be the scariest.
We’re here for you when you’re ready.
Learn about inpatient addiction treatment