Bell Let’s Talk: Real change can occur within construction

TORONTO — More than 200 Canadians will attempt suicide everyday; 12 will die.

Opioid deaths in the country sit at 21 per day.

One in two Canadians who are struggling with mental health issues aren’t getting the help they need.

And we know, a large portion of those statistics involve those in construction, where there is a stigma to speaking up.

The theme for this year’s Bell Let’s Talk, which takes place across the country today (Jan. 24), is “Let’s create real change.”

Everyone is being asked to take “meaningful action to create change,” by providing “practical examples of ways to create change in our homes, schools, workplaces and communities,” states a release.

Here are some actions:

Choose a mental health organization to learn about or support.
Help a friend struggling with their mental health by learning how to support them.
Ask about how your school, workplace or community is creating change for mental health.
Nurture your own well-being by practicing and learning mental health strategies.
Get involved in a mental health initiative or organize an event to support mental health.
Engage in conversations about mental health to fight stigma.

Throughout the campaign, Bell Let’s Talk will feature 25 mental health organizations and services, such as Canada’s new suicide crisis helpline 9-8-8. The organization is also on its way to reaching its commitment of $155 million by 2025.

The Daily Commercial News and Journal of Commerce are hoping to help create change through the articles and stories we highlight on mental health throughout the year. We have compiled some relevant stories for our readership to not only highlight the strides being made in the industry, but to show those who need it there is help out there.