Bell Let’s Talk Day addresses pressing issue

This year’s Bell Let’s Talk Day, Jan. 28, will shine a spotlight on an issue that may impact as many as one in five Canadians in their lifetime: mental health problems.

Mental Health: It’s Time to Talk features a presentation by Allan Kehler, one of Canada’s most sought-after speakers and advocates on the topic of mental health and wellness. Kehler, pictured above, a former teacher and author of four best-selling books, will share his own experiences with mental health issues and substance use, and the life lessons that helped him move beyond these barriers and find success.  

With current research highlighting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health across all age demographics, the 2021 edition of Bell Let’s Talk Day covers a timely and important issue. The changes in routine and daily life as a result of pandemic restrictions have resulted in an increase in social isolation, stress, anxiety and depression. As such, mental health awareness and prevention are more important than ever.

This year’s Bell Let’s Talk Day event is hosted by the Mental Health and Wellness Subcommittee (MHWS), a ratified student-led organization within the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA). The mission of MHWS is to address gaps in mental health support and education for graduate students. It aims to create a compassionate post-secondary environment in which students are provided resources to support their mental health and can feel comfortable seeking support.

As part of this mission, the MHWS has hosted educational sessions with speakers from the University of Calgary and community partners. It is committed to a campaign of raising awareness of the importance of mental health and destigmatizing those who have problems. As part of this commitment, events such as Bell Let’s Talk Day provide graduate students with resources and opportunities to find supports and take positive action in mental health and wellness.

This free event is open to all UCalgary graduate students, undergraduate students, faculty and staff, and will be held via Zoom on Jan. 28 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Registration is open on the GSA website and log-in information will be sent to those who sign up.