Together for Canada's National Mental Health Day
On this 24th day of January, the City of Westmount marks Canada's national day for mental health by raising the Bell Let's Talk Day flag. Too often, mental health can go unnoticed. Today, we highlight the importance of looking after our mental health and that of our loved ones. Did you know that:
- 1 in 2 Canadians struggling with mental health issues aren't receiving the help they need.*
- More than 200 Canadians will attempt suicide every day; 12 will die.*
- 1 in 3 workplace disability claims in Canada are related to mental illnesses.**
Westmount supports the mission of Bell Let's Talk Day which works to raise public awareness of the stigma linked to mental illnesses. This year, the initiative invites all Canadians to take concrete actions for mental health, not only today, but throughout the year. Your simple actions can have a real impact. Take inspiration from the following:
- Choose and support a mental health organization or one that supports the wellness of your community.
- Fight stigma by starting a conversation with your loved ones.
- Nourish your own well-being by applying strategies that promote positive mental health.
We are fortunate in Westmount to have several organizations that support our community. Thank you to all who came out for the flag-raising ceremony, including residents, council members and City workers. Thank you as well to Bell Let's Talk, Contactivity and the Douglas Foundation, whose representatives joined us this morning, for your tireless work to improve our residents' quality of life.
To learn more about Bell Let’s Talk, visit letstalk.bell.ca. Join the movement and share your actions using the hashtag #BellLetsTalk.
From left to right: Benita Goldin (Contactivity Centre), Elisabeth Roux (District 2), Kathleen Kez (District 8), Jeff Shamie (District 3), Laura Fish (Douglas Foundation), Jose Tiburcio (Bell Let's Talk), Mayor Christina M. Smith