Let’s Talk! Join the conversation to end the stigma of mental illness
Since I first joined Bell in September 2010 to announce the Bell Let’s Talk campaign, Canadians from all walks of life have approached me sharing their stories and thanking me for being part of this. It’s now the second year of this campaign, and what I continue to hear is how important it is to so many Canadians. The response has been incredible and I am excited to see how the conversation about mental health will continue to grow and mental illness become de-stigmatized.
One of the most startling statistics that we often hear is that one in five Canadians will experience a mental illness at some point in their lives. And that doesn’t include the impact on family and friends who watch and worry, often feeling helpless, as a loved one struggles.
Over a decade ago, I was part of this statistic.
Bell launches 2012 'Let's Talk' mental health campaign
Olympian Clara Hughes, who has been working to get Canadians talking since being named national spokesperson last year, says she’s been encouraged by the impact so far.
“Canadians really stepped up to talk about mental health on last year’s very successful Bell Let’s Talk Day, and the conversation has only continued to grow since then,” Hughes said in a statement.
For this year’s campaign, the 6-time Olympic medalist and longtime sufferer of depression is joined by a pair of Quebec spokespeople: author, composer and performer Stefie Shock, and actor-comedian Michel Mpambara.
WINTER TRAINING MECCA TUCSON, ARIZONA
The first time I came down to Tucson for a cycling camp was way back in 1990. The other day on the infamous ‘shootout’ training ride/race here in town, I met an American rider younger than my years of making the pilgrimage to this winter cycling mecca. The city continues to sprawl and as much as I hate riding in traffic, I have to say Tucson has done a remarkable job of expanding the bikes lanes/paths/routes at the same rate as the rest of the growth.
Believe me, I’d rather be in the Eastern Sierra Nevada of California where Peter is right now, riding my favorite mountain passes and soaking in some of the best hot springs on earth. But it’s work time and as much as I’d rather be with Pete, there is no way I could get the quality of work I’m getting here in Tucson. Group rides, warm enough weather, climbing, flat riding, training races and so much more, this is the place to be for some winter intensity and time away from the snow shoes.
