Today (Wednesday) is ‘Bell Let’s Talk Day’.
The 11th annual initiative is aimed at raising awareness, acceptance and action in mental health.
Ashley Apland is the Clinical Manager for FIREFLY in Kenora-Rainy River.
She says the theme this year is to, “Keep listening, keep talking, and keep being there for others.”
Apland notes, “It encourages us to engage in a conversation with a family member, a friend, or a co-worker, and actively listen.”
Bell will donate five cents to Canadian mental health programs for every applicable text, local or long distance.
Along with every tweet or TikTok video using #BellLetsTalk, every social media view of their video, and every use of their Facebook frame or Snapchat filter.
The telecommunications company says it committed more than $121 million dollars over the past decade.
Some tips from Ashley Apland to stay mentally healthy include:
-Make sure you’re getting enough sleep
-Stay hydrated
-Get active
-Have a positive outlook
-Communicate with your family and friends
-Help others
-Spend time in nature
-Do things that bring you joy
-Reduce screen time
-Seek support
Apland says FIREFLY offers free mental health support for children, youth, and their families for those aged 0-18.
You can call the in-take line at 1-833-NWO-KIDS, complete a referral online at FIREFLY , or email intake@fireflynw.ca
The local agency also has a child and youth mental health outreach worker in Dryden.
She can be reached at 216-0075 anytime between Monday to Friday from 3:00-11:00.
