Sonia Sidhu, Member of Parliament for Brampton South, issued the following statement on Mental Health and the Importance of Checking in With Yourself:

January 28, 2020 – Brampton 

“The impacts of COVID-19 are placing an even greater strain on our mental health. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, 38% of Canadians say their mental health has declined due to the pandemic. With that being said, it is important now more than ever that we remain socially connected, taking stronger action to support Canadians.

When I speak with my Constituency Youth Council, non-profit organizations in Brampton South, and others in our community I hear about this significant need. 

I want to encourage all Canadians to access the free and confidential mental wellness supports available at your fingertips. Our federal platform, Wellness Together Canada can connect you to peer support workers, social workers, psychologists and other professionals for confidential chat sessions or phone calls. Visit WellnessTogether.ca to find credible information and resources. Now is always the right time to check in on your mental health.

Today also marks Bell Let’s Talk Day in Canada. This is a significant initiative that helps drive positive progress in mental health, with almost 8 Million dollars having been donated last year alone thanks to our collective actions. 

Bell will donate 5 cents to Canadian mental health programs for every applicable text, local or long-distance call, tweet or TikTok video using #BellLetsTalk, every Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Snapchat, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube view of the Bell Let’s Talk Day video, and every use of the Bell Let’s Talk Facebook frame or Snapchat filter. All at no cost to participants beyond what they would normally pay their service provider for online or phone access. 

I encourage everyone to participate in the Bell Let’s Talk Awareness Campaign and start a conversation that will help break down the barriers and stigmas associated with accessing mental health care. 

If you or someone you know is having a hard time, take the first step and check in on yourself by visiting WellnessTogether.ca.