The Bell Let’s Talk campaign is the most popular and perhaps the most influential social media trend in Canada. For five years, this campaign has started countless conversations about mental health in an attempt to end the stigma around it. The campaign actively reduces ignorance and increases awareness by providing people with the opportunity to express themselves freely on the subject and to share their own stories. How do they do it, you ask? Through their vast social media platform, of course! The increasing success of the Bell Let’s Talk campaign is ultimately due to the spread of their hashtag (#BellLetsTalk) and the contribution of the public that follows.
According to the Canadian Mental Health Organization, 20% of Canadians will personally experience mental illness and every canadian is indirectly affected by it.(1) To demonstrate their support for those suffering, Bell Canada has stated they will contribute five cents for every tweet using the hashtag #BellLetsTalk, every share of the Facebook image for their campaign and every text sent or call made by Bell customers. Although five cents might not seem like much, it adds up quickly, especially with the seemingly endless increase in support on social media. In the five years of its running, BellLetsTalk has raised $73,623,413.80 in support of mental health initiatives across the country.(2)
The support of this initiative and those similar to it is essential to the progress of ours and of future generations. Mental Health is an issue that affects us all and it should be acknowledged and understood for what it truly is. It is time to concern ourselves with not only our own, but the psychological and emotional well-being of our loved ones, of our friends and even some strangers. As of late, suicide is the leading cause of death for canadians between the ages of ten and twenty four.(3) There is no doubt that it is time for this to change so, starting Wednesday January 27th, get out there and support #BellLetsTalk. With a simple hashtag, you have the power to change history and to save lives.
This is one thing social media is finally good for. I love this campaign and all the good it does for everyone. It helps people come out and speak about internal problems they are suffering with, when normally they may not. Also was surprised with the amount of money they raised never imagined it being that high.
ReplyDeleteNot only does this campaign aid in reducing the stigma surrounding mental health, it encourages people to come forward and to share their personal experiences, letting them know that it is not something to be ashamed of. The Bell Let's Talk campaign is incredibly beneficial to those suffering from mental illness as well as those are not, as they are becoming more aware and understanding of the issues so many people face everyday. Thank you for commenting!
ReplyDeleteI think this a great way to promote such a forgotten about illness. People are always forgetting that mental illness' are a thing, although they can be just as serious as regular illness'. I'm glad that Bell is continuing with their #BellLetsTalk campaign, as mental health is becoming more and more recognized by the public.
ReplyDeleteIncredibly powerful and socially relevant topic. What is it, do you think, that makes certain #s trend, and others fall flat?
ReplyDeleteA few issues:
- Unclear where some of your stats come from (ex. 776? , your quote on the 2nd post, most of your facts barring the last post, etc.)
- A few details missing or vague. (Ex. In your Blacklivesmatter post, you mention a lot of cases but don’t give specifics on any one of them. To understand the movement, we must first understand what sparked it. Hypermasculinity and associated suicide rates not really explained, what #HeForShe or #YesAllWomen actually is, etc.)
- Media issue (On your Feminism vs meninism, it is almost impossible to see your black picture on your almost black background.)
- Your unique opinion is not always clear in your posts.