Today, in honour of Bell Let’s Talk Day, a day that aims to end the stigma around mental health, a special replay of a past Our Town with Grant Nickalls video with a reminder to seek help if you are struggling, and to be kind to all you meet—you never know what kind of battle someone is facing. If you’re staring down your own demons right now, know that help is available. Let’s end the stigma around mental illness.
If you are suicidal or experiencing a mental health crisis, call 911 or go to the emergency department or call the Ontario Mental Health Helpline, 1-866-531-2600.
If you have been a victim of crime or tragedy, the Muskoka Victim Services Victim Crisis Assistance and Referral Service can help. Call 1-844-762-9945, Monday to Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm (emergency services after hours: 1-877-229-2217).
The Canadian Mental Health Association, Muskoka – Parry Sound provides mental health and addictions services to adults including crisis intervention, counselling, rehabilitiation, housing and recovery support.
If you are age 20 and younger, the Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868) provides free, 24/7, anonymous counselling.
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An excellent article and video! It is to be hoped that all adults, especially parents, print this article and post it on their refrigerators. I am a person with a mental health disability, and I am always open to speaking with anybody about it. A good conversation-starter is: “This is what a crazy person looks like”. Invisible disabilities are such that the onus is on the PWD to initiate and educate. Stigma will only be reduced through education.
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I have gone the extra kilometre by having a semi-colon tattoo on my face. It is the symbol for suicide prevention, and has also led to queries and worthwhile responses. I have addressed crowds of 600; but the most profitable are always one-to-one. “Let’s talk.”