CAF and DND participated in Bell Let’s Talk Day

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and the Department of National Defence (DND) participated in a panel discussion for Bell Let’s Talk Day at the Canadian Forces Base Halifax.
 
The ninth annual Bell Let’s Talk Day, which took place on 28 Jan 2019, invited all Canadians to help end the stigma surrounding mental illness and support mental health initiatives across the country. As a partner of Bell, CAF and DND proudly support this important initiative to continue the conversation around mental health and the stigma attached to mental illness.

 
Panelists included: Bell Let’s Talk Ambassador Bruno Guévremont; DND Co-Champion for Mental Health Jerry Ryan; Commodore Chris Sutherland; Lieutenant-Colonel David Coker; Corporal Travis Weir; Petty Officer 2nd Class Chevonne Fisher; and Ms. Chimene Jewer.
 
The panel discussion can be viewed on the following Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/CanadianForces
 
“We're not human doings, we're human beings, so just be with someone, don't try to fix everything, listen,” said LS (ret) Bruno Guévremont, Bell Let’s Talk ambassador.
 
“When you drop your walls, so do others, and then you can have those frank discussions and get the help you need,” advised Jerry Ryan, DND Co-Champion for Mental Health.
 
“When you do reach out, that non-judgemental help will be there. It's what can we do to help you,” commented Commodore Chris Sutherland, Director General Military Careers.
 
“Reach out that hand and offer help. When you're suffering, the first step allows you to see the different pathways available,” suggested Lieutenant-Colonel David Coker, Regional Base Surgeon, Halifax
 
“It kept getting worse, bad things were happening. Deal with the little things as they come, and deal with the root of the problem, if not, it's going to get worse over time,” shared Corporal Travis Weir, a Medical Technician on HMCS Montreal.
 
“There comes a time where you need to put that fear aside and seek help,” noted Petty Officer 2nd Class Chevonne Fisher, a Budget Analyst, and Base Comptroller from Halifax.
 
“Have your family involved in the recovery journey," recommended Chimene Jewer, Psychologist for Canadian Forces Health Services. "We encourage our patients to involve their family in their treatment, they are your support system.”
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The Bell Let's Talk day is 30 Jan 2019. For every text message, mobile, and long distance call by customers of Bell Canada, Bell Aliant, and Bell MTS, every tweet using the hashtag #BellLetsTalk, every view of the Bell Let’s Talk Day video on social media, and use of the Bell Let’s Talk Facebook or Snapchat, Bell donates five cents to support Canadian mental health programs.