David Baxter PhD
Late Founder
5 simple ways to help end the stigma around mental illness
Bell Let's Talk Campaign January-February 2015
Talking is the first step towards meaningful change and building greater awareness, acceptance, and action.
5 ways to help
1. Language matters
Words can help?but they can also hurt. Pay attention to the words you use.
How you can help
Explain to friends and colleagues who use words like ?psycho? or ?nut? without thinking that their comments may be hurtful and provide an alternative view.
2. Educate yourself
Myths exist about mental illness that contribute to stigma. Learn the facts.
How you can help
Learn more, know more. Be knowledgeable and help fight stigma with facts.
3. Be Kind
Small acts of kindness speak volumes.
How you can help
Don?t stand by if someone is being labelled or bullied.
Treat a person who has a mental illness with the kindness and care you give to people with other illnesses through a friendly smile, a helping hand, a phone call or visit.
4. Listen and ask
Sometimes it?s best to just listen.
How you can help
Don't trivialize someone's illness. Instead, say: "I?m sorry to hear that, it must be a difficult time. Is there anything I can do to help?"
5. Talk about it
Start a dialogue, not a debate
How you can help
Break the silence. Talk about how mental illness touches us all in some way directly or through a friend, family member or colleague. Stories of lived experience are the best way to help eradicate stigma.
Support mental health and anti-stigma programs in your community.
Learn the origin of the 5 ways.
Toolkit
Use our toolkit to help you get the conversation started.
More Information
Bell Let's Talk FAQ
Bell Let's Talk Campaign January-February 2015
Talking is the first step towards meaningful change and building greater awareness, acceptance, and action.
5 ways to help
1. Language matters
Words can help?but they can also hurt. Pay attention to the words you use.
How you can help
Explain to friends and colleagues who use words like ?psycho? or ?nut? without thinking that their comments may be hurtful and provide an alternative view.
2. Educate yourself
Myths exist about mental illness that contribute to stigma. Learn the facts.
How you can help
Learn more, know more. Be knowledgeable and help fight stigma with facts.
3. Be Kind
Small acts of kindness speak volumes.
How you can help
Don?t stand by if someone is being labelled or bullied.
Treat a person who has a mental illness with the kindness and care you give to people with other illnesses through a friendly smile, a helping hand, a phone call or visit.
4. Listen and ask
Sometimes it?s best to just listen.
How you can help
Don't trivialize someone's illness. Instead, say: "I?m sorry to hear that, it must be a difficult time. Is there anything I can do to help?"
5. Talk about it
Start a dialogue, not a debate
How you can help
Break the silence. Talk about how mental illness touches us all in some way directly or through a friend, family member or colleague. Stories of lived experience are the best way to help eradicate stigma.
Support mental health and anti-stigma programs in your community.
Learn the origin of the 5 ways.
Toolkit
Use our toolkit to help you get the conversation started.
More Information
Bell Let's Talk FAQ
