“For the past decade, Bell Let’s Talk Day has been a standing reminder of how much we can accomplish when we speak up bravely about mental health.
“Discussing mental health challenges, which affect so many but often are still taboo, is more urgent than before as we cope with COVID-19. As the virus claims lives and livelihoods, it also devastates people’s mental well-being. People are struggling with loneliness, isolation, addiction, and lost savings, businesses and jobs.
“Whether mental health is a recent concern, or an ongoing part of people’s daily reality, you can talk about it. You don’t have to be alone, and silence will not have the final word. That’s the message behind Bell Let’s Talk Day. The day is also a fundraiser, raising $7.7 million in 2020 to support community initiatives across the country.
“I encourage everyone to get the care they need, and to remove barriers and strengthen supports to help people find healing. Under Alberta’s mental health and addictions strategy, we are building recovery communities, increasing in-patient beds in smaller centres, and supporting the mental health of first responders.
“The rest is up to all of us. On Jan. 28 — and every day — join the conversation. Now, more than ever, let’s talk.”