CFB Shilo raised a flag to bring awareness to mental health issues on Bell Let’s Talk Day, Jan. 24. (Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News)

“More than 200 people in Canada attempt suicide everyday. Twelve will die.”

CFB Shilo raised the flag on mental health awareness, for Bell Let’s Talk day on Jan. 24.

“Today marks a day to promote the conversation, raise awareness and break down the stigma associated with mental health,” Major Stu Smoley, Acting Base Commander, said. “The flag raising signifies that CFB Shilo and its leadership fully support this initiative.”

President and CEO of Bell Canada and BCE Mirko Bibic said starting today and throughout the year, everyone – individuals, communities, workplaces and government – can take action and show their support for mental health so that all Canadians can access the mental health and addiction supports they need.

Bell first started Let’s Talk Day in 2010. Since then the tech company has partnered with more than 1,500 organizations providing free mental support and services nationwide.. The 2024 theme is “Let’s create real change.”

“Despite tremendous progress, real change is needed for Canadians who are struggling with their mental health. We encourage everyone to join us to start a year of action to help address the mental health crisis our country is facing, ” Bibic said.

“Bell Let’s Talk has brought awareness to the stigma around mental illness over the past fourteen years. Since then, Bell Let’s Talk Day has become the world’s largest conversation about mental health, increasing awareness and helping create real change. However, many people who are struggling aren’t getting the help they need, and people are dying by suicide,” a press release from the communications company stated on Jan. 8.

“More than 200 people in Canada attempt suicide every day. Twelve will die,” the Bell Let’s Talk website states. More alarming statistics of one in two Canadians struggling with mental health issues are not receiving the help they need and one in eight people struggle with severe anxiety.

More than 6,956,297 Canadians have been supported with access to mental health services through programs funded by Bell Let’s Talk, with 1/3 of Canadians stating they have taken action related to mental health since Bell Let’s Talk Day began.

However, one in two young people struggle alone with their mental health and 11.8 per cent of people in Canada have had thoughts of suicide at some point in their lives, the Bell statements read, with 596,934 service interactions received in 2023 at Kids Help Phone.

With clear statistics and numbers, CFB Shilo leadership is encouraging members to reach out when faced with challenges.

“We urge our members to engage in meaningful conversation with co-workers, subordinates, peers and employees to ensure we are aware of the several mental health resources available to CAF and DND employees,” Maj. Smoley said.

Programs such as the Bell Let’s Talk Tool Kit, the DND Employee Assistance Program, the Canadian Forces Member’s Assistance Program and the CFB Shilo Sentinel Program are just a few of the resources readily available to those struggling with mental health, the Major said while addressing the crowd at the flag raising ceremony.

“We strongly urge anyone who feels they need help to reach out and take advantage of the many support structures that are offered here in Shilo,” the acting Base Commander said.

Bell wants people to be aware that 9-8-8 is a toll-free call or text line in English and French where those needing assistance can reach a responder who will listen with compassion and offer a safe place to talk. It is led and coordinated by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and funded by the Government of Canana. It is made up of a growing network of nearly 40 experienced local, provincial, territorial and national crisis lines across the country.

CFB Shilo raised a flag to bring awareness to mental health issues on Bell Let’s Talk Day, Jan. 24. (Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News)