#BELLLETSTALK Day is: JANUARY 30, 2019!
HOW TO JOIN THE CONVERSATION
On #BellLetsTalk Day, Bell will contribute 5¢ for every applicable text, call, tweet, social media video view and use of their Facebook frame or Snapchat filter towards mental health initiatives in Canada!
Twitter Dominates! #BellLetsTalk was the most-used Canadian Twitter hashtag in 2018 and was also the most retweeted by Canadians last year.
This year, FOLA is here to help Ontario’s legal community engage in the conversation. Below, you will find curated twitter friendly mental health, mental illness, and mental wellness facts, myths, tips, and links (including to videos!) so that all you need to do is copy & paste into your twitter feed. We have also curated some images that you can use to accompany your tweets!
FOLA will be posting about mental health all throughout January to raise awareness about #BellLetsTalk Day and will be extra involved on January 30th. Any tweet we see that has both the #BellLetsTalk hashtag and @Ont_Law_Assoc (our Twitter Handle) will be retweeted.
If you are a lawyer and need help, please contact the Law Society's Member Assistance Program.
SUGGESTED TWEETS
SUGGESTED TWEETS FROM @Ont_Law_Assoc #BELLLETSTALK
Here are a few suggested tweets for you to simply copy and paste into your Twitter feed. Each of these link to a helpful article and have all the tags done for you.
#mentalhealth brief from the @OBAlawyers: need a helping hand? try these life balance solutions: http://bit.ly/2ELEADA #BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc
#mentalhealth brief from the @OBAlawyers: #strategies 4 #lawyers: http://bit.ly/2EIeH6J : #BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc
#Video: Why do so many #lawyers wait too long b4 seeking help 4 #mentalhealth issues or don't seek help at all? Tips 4 layers by @OBAlawyers http://bit.ly/2QKIjYy #BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc #yournotalone
Why We Need to Talk About #Lawyers’ #MentalHealth Now: http://bit.ly/2LBtuSs by @DanLukasik #BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc
#Lawyers Helping Lawyers: How to Start a #Depression Support Group in Your Bar Community by @DanLukasik: http://bit.ly/2BzUJb9 #BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc
#Podcast: Your #Brain on #Depression: A Fascinating Interview w/ #Neuroscientist, @PreFrontalBlog http://bit.ly/2ELATOn #BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc
What #mentalhealth services can I access as an #Ontario #lawyer? http://bit.ly/2CuMejx By @klaidlaw in @PrecedentMag #BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc
How to address #mentalhealth dilemmas in the #legal #workplace: http://bit.ly/2EKCEdA By @klaidlaw in @PrecedentMag #BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc
I’m on a case that’s wrecking my life. What’s wrong with me? The first line of defence, when battling vicarious #trauma, is #peersupport: http://bit.ly/2Q0BJrE By @klaidlaw in @PrecedentMag #BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc
Something to talk about: http://bit.ly/2V5b7JW @PrecedentMag Editor's note on why a 2018 feature on #mentalhealth was incredibly difficult to report. #Stigma #BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc
Looking for an image to add to your tweet? Check out our photo gallery below and then right click on any pic & save for easy sharing!
TWITTER-FRIENDLY MENTAL HEALTH FACTS (& FICTION)
TWITTER-FRIENDLY MENTAL HEALTH FACTS (& FICTION)
Fast Fact about #MentalIllness #1: Mental illness indirectly affects all Canadians at some time through a family member, friend or colleague #BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc
Fast Fact about #MentalIllness #2: In any given year, 1 in 5 people in Canada will personally experience a #mentalhealth problem or illness #BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc
Fast Fact about #MentalIllness #3: Mental illness does not discriminate: It affects people of all ages, education, income levels, and cultures #BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc
#MentalHealth Myth #1: #MentalHealth doesn’t affect me. FACT: We all need to take care of our mental health #HealthyMind, #HealthyBody #BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc
#MentalHealth Myth #2: People w/ a #mentalillness never get better. FACT: Treatments are avail & full #recovery is attainable. It may involve more than just drugs; it also may include being socially & physically active #BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc
#MentalHealth Myth #3: #Psychiatric disorders are not true illnesses. FACTS: Unlike a broken leg, #mentalillness can been invisible. They exist in our #brain chemistry and can be diagnosed #BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc
#MentalHealth Myth #4: People w/ a mental illness lack intelligence. FACT: The level of intelligence among people w/ #mentalillness parallels healthy populations #BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc
#MentalHealth Myth #5: People w/ a #mentalillness shouldn’t have jobs. FACT: People w/ mental illness can & do function well in the workplace. With a proper treatment plan, they can thrive as well as anyone else #BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc
#MentalHealth Myth #6. People w/ mental illnesses just can’t handle stress. Fact: #Stress impacts well-being, but this is true for everyone. Taking care of yourself & asking for help are signs of #strength not weakness #BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc
Looking for an image to add to your tweet? Check out our photo gallery below and then right click on any pic & save for easy sharing!
MENTAL WELLNESS TIPS
TWITTER FRIENDLY TIPS FOR MENTAL WELLNESS
#MentalWellness #Video Tip: Improve your Mood: http://bit.ly/2QMgwqC by @DrLazarPsych for @OBAlawyers
#BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc
3 minute #podcast: Stressed? Want a 2 break from thinking & doing? Listen 2 a simple breathing practice by @mindfulwob 2 bring our awareness back 2 the "now". http://bit.ly/2rZ2mn9 #BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc
2 minute #podcast: Train yourself 2 return 2 the breath over & over again & bring your attention to the "now". #stressreduction exercise by @mindfulwob: http://bit.ly/2TgTzIL #BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc
3 minute #podcast by @mindfulwob on #TUZA, which means 2 slow down & chill in one of the local dialects in Kigali Rwanda: http://bit.ly/2EQOuDb #stressReduction
3 minute #podcast by @mindfulwob on #mindful listening: http://bit.ly/2Aek9eL #selfmanagement #BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc
5 minute #podcast by @mindfulwob: http://bit.ly/2ESjCmF BODY SCAN - a technique that focuses attention on the physical sensations throughout the body. #BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc
Listen to this 3 minute #podcast by @mindfulwob about #mindful walking: http://bit.ly/2CF1hHl #BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc
#MentalWellness Tip: Find Healthy Outlets: In this #video http://bit.ly/2V8I4oP by @OBAlawyers, Dr. Douglas & Dr. Horner by discuss healthy outlets to help you cope #BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc
#MentalWellness Tip: Dealing w/ Chronic Stress: In this #video http://bit.ly/2SeAw1D by @OBAlawyers, Counsellor Rosana Zammit helps you understand what chronic #stress is, why u should care, & what u can do about it #BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc
#MentalWellness Tip: Ask for Help: Talk 2 those close to u about what 2 look 4 at the beginning of a downward depression spiral. Watch this @OBAlawyers #Video: http://bit.ly/2ENDNSH #BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc
#MentalWellness Tip: Managing expectations: Ideas 2 help u w/ #timemanagement, relationships, demands, expectations & your own emotional needs by @OBAlawyers http://bit.ly/2AgOl91
#BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc
#MentalWellness Tip: #Depression: Modes of Coping “Different Modes of Coping Can Help Different People Manage Adversity” #Video by @OBAlawyers http://bit.ly/2BHFCwj #BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc
#MentalWellness Tip: The Perfectionism Trap: Counsellor Rosana Zammit discusses the pros & cons of perfectionism: #Video by @OBAlawyers http://bit.ly/2Ag7cBc #BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc
#MentalWellness Tip: Managing Demands: #Legal work requires exactitude & critical attention to detail. Self-care can help lawyers do an even better job at work. http://bit.ly/2EL5A5x @OBAlawyers
#BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc
#MentalWellness Tip: Enjoy the Benefits of Exercise. Just five minutes of activity can boost your mood. #Video by @OBAlawyers http://bit.ly/2LyGWGx #BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc
#MentalWellness Tip: #MentalHealth Strategies 4 #Lawyers: Dealing w/ personality factors in the #workplace – the sooner, the better! http://bit.ly/2SdAAPk @OBAlawyers
#BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc
#MentalWellness Tip: At-Your-Desk Breathing Exercise: Counsellor Rosana Zammit demonstrates a breathing technique 2 help lower #stress levels. #Video by @OBAlawyers http://bit.ly/2SkfhvA
#BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc
WHAT YOU CAN DO
If you are a lawyer and need help, please contact the Law Society's Member Assistance Program.
Language matters
The words you use can make all the difference. Words can help, but they can also hurt.
Educate yourself
Stigma has been around for a long time. knowing the facts and myths about mental illness can be a great way to help end the stigma. Become a stigma buster!
Be Kind
Simple kindness can make a world of difference. Whether it be a smile, being a good listener or an invitation for coffee and a chat, these simple acts of kindness can help open up the conversation and let someone know you are there for them.
Expressions like “You’ll get over it” and “Just relax” can minimize how a person is feeling. Instead offer your support and say “I’m sorry you aren’t feeling well.” Ask what you can do to help.
Listen
Mental illness is a very common form of human pain and suffering. Being a good listener and asking how you can help, sometimes just even being there for people you care about, can be the first step in recovery.
Talk about it
Break the silence. Mental illness touches us all in some way directly or through a friend, family member or colleague. Stories of people who have experienced mental health issues and who are doing well can really challenge stereotypes. Most people with mental health issues can and do recover, some just by talking about it.
Other helpful tips
To help you be part of the conversation, the Bell Let’s Talk Conversation Guide was created. It provides information and resources on how you can facilitate a conversation in your community, as well as guidelines on how to have conversations with people you care about and may be concerned about.
Mental Health & Wellness Resources
LSO MEMBER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The Law Society's Member Assistance Program (MAP) for lawyers and their families is provided by Homewood Human Solutions. It is a fully confidential service funded by the Law Society of Ontario.
MAP provides secure, single sign-on access to counselling, coaching, online resources and peer volunteers. Members can get professional help with issues related to addictions, mental or physical health, work-life balance, career, family and more.
A full description of the program can be found on the Member Assistance Program website.
For questions about specific services covered by MAP call 1-855-403-8922.
Peer volunteers needed
If you're an empathetic and caring lawyer who has struggled in the past with addiction, mental health, or other serious issues, consider helping colleagues facing similar struggles by volunteering for MAP's confidential Peer Support Program.
The Peer Support Program, an integral part of the Member Assistance Program, offers peer-to-peer support to lawyers. No experience is necessary - Homewood Human Solutions provides all volunteers with on-going training on effective ways to support others in the profession. The program is administrated by Aon Hewitt Inc. to ensure the full confidentiality of all client information.
For more information about this volunteer opportunity, send an email or call 1-855-403-8922.
YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
Mental health means striking a balance in all aspects of your life: social, physical, spiritual, economic and mental. Reaching a balance is a learning process. At times, you may tip the balance too much in one direction and have to find your footing again. Your personal balance will be unique, and your challenge will be to stay mentally healthy by keeping that balance.
Click here for information and suggestions from the Canadian Mental Health Association to help you keep your balance.
Click here and enter your postal code to find your local Canadian Mental Health Association branch.
ONTARIO AA LINKS
Alcoholics Anonymous is an international fellowship of men and women who think they have a drinking problem. It is nonprofessional, self-supporting, multiracial, apolitical, and available almost everywhere. There are no age or education requirements. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about his or her drinking problem. Click here to find a meeting in your area (Ontario Only).
WORKPLACE MENTAL HEALTH
Medcan offers employee health solutions bridge the gap between your benefits plan and the health needs of your employees. Plus, they have some amazing resources for you and your family.
The Great-West Life Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace is a leading source of free, practical tools and resources designed to help Canadian employers with the prevention, intervention and management of workplace mental health issues. All tools and resources are available in English and French to anyone, anywhere, at no cost.
MINDFULNESS
Mindfulness Without Borders (MWB) is a leading provider of best practices and evidenced-based programs on secular mindfulness and social-emotional intelligence to youth, educators, health and corporate professionals in communities around the world. MWB offers in-person and on-line workshops, produce a fantastic blog, and have lots of resources on their website.
MUSE, a Personal Meditation Assistant from Toronto's Interaxon, is wearable tech at its best! It's a headband that, when paired with their app, gives you feedback about your meditation in real time by translating your brain signals into the sounds of weather.
MORE RESOURCES COMING SOON
Do you have something you'd like to share? Please contact our Executive Director at katie.robinette@fola.ca. Thanks