Let’s talk mental health

Mental health is important for everyone–at every stage of our lives, it matters. 

Through the highs and lows, good mental health allows you to feel, think and act in ways that help you enjoy life and cope with its challenges. But the state of our psychological and emotional well-being fluctuates as we go through life. There are challenges that may seem impossible to overcome on our own. We may need a helping hand in dealing with an unexpected crisis, a difficult event or even the stress and demands of everyday life.

No matter where you’re at, know that you are not alone.

January 24 is Bell Let’s Talk day in Canada, a reminder that through open, honest conversation, we can drive actions that promote and protect everyone’s mental health, whoever and wherever they are. Today and every day, no one should suffer in silence. 

Mental health, sense of belonging and life satisfaction are all important factors that contribute to our overall health and well-being. In the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the proportions of adults who reported excellent or very good mental health, a strong sense of belonging to their local community, and a high level of life satisfaction decreased.

In 2023, as the global health emergency associated with the pandemic came to an end, some improvements were observed. The proportions of adults who reported excellent or very good mental health (57%), a somewhat strong or very strong sense of belonging to their local community (62%), and high ratings of overall life satisfaction (54%) were all at least 5 percentage points higher in February to May 2023 compared with the same period in 2021. 

Despite these improvements, symptoms of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remained unchanged. In the fall of 2020, one in five adults reported moderate to severe symptoms of depression, anxiety or PTSD. This figure increased to one in four by early 2021 and remained the same in 2023.

It is important to recognize that many people in Canada are facing mental health challenges. Checking in with your friends and family and keeping open conversations about mental health can help ensure that no one suffers alone. 

When the support of friends or family doesn’t seem to be enough, the next step may be talking to a professional to see what additional approaches might help get you back on track. Seeking help for mental health can be difficult, and it is okay to not know where to turn to.

Taking care of yourself and acknowledging when you need help are signs of strength, not weakness. There are resources available if you or someone you know needs support, someone to talk to, or help in crisis. 

Mental wellness resources and crisis help

The following are some mental wellness resources available to you, free of charge:

9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline

Canada now has a national three-digit number—9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline—for suicide prevention support. The 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline provides people in Canada with free access to 24/7/365, bilingual, trauma-informed, and culturally appropriate suicide prevention support by phone and text. If you call or text 9-8-8, trained crisis responders will listen to you and provide support with compassion, providing a safe space for you to talk.

Wellness Together Canada

Toll-free: 1-866-585-0445 

Text WELLNESS to:

• 686868 for youth
• 741741 for adults

Website: Wellness Together Canada

Kids Help Phone

• Toll-free: 1-800-668-6868 
• Text 686868 (no data plan, Internet connection or app required)
• Live chat: www.kidshelpphone.ca

Crisis centres near you

Website: LifeLine Canada

Additional resources are available on this mental health support page and on the Government of Canada website on suicide prevention.

We encourage Canadians to learn more about mental health and to take action to create real change on Bell Let’s Talk Day (January 24, 2024) and throughout the year. Together, we will continue to learn, show support, and spread awareness.