Bell Let’s Talk brings
mental health to the forefront

Public awareness campaign aims to reduce stigma surrounding mental illness

In any given year, approximately 1 in 5 Canadians will suffer from a mental health problem or illness. Of the various types of mental health problems, anxiety disorders are amongst the most common. For various reasons, approximately only half of the people who experienced an anxiety disorder in the last 12 months sought treatment. Unfortunately, this number is higher amongst men¹.

This year, in large part due to COVID-19, the reported incidence of anxiety has sharply increased. However, given the above statistics, fewer men seek help for their mental health issues.

A lot of men are reluctant to admit they have an anxiety issue problem. They often see anxiety as a sign of weakness.

– Paul Jozsef, principal therapist, Paul Jozsef Counselling & Coaching

Bell Let’s Talk is a public awareness campaign created by the Canadian telecommunications company Bell Canada. Its purpose is two-fold:

1. Raise awareness of mental illness in the community;
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2. Reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness in Canada.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety or worry is a normal response to a present or imagined threat. In fact, a mild level of anxiety may be helpful as it enables a quick response when faced with a dangerous situation. However, when worries disrupt or interfere with daily life or if the symptoms persist long after the danger has passed, it would be advantageous to seek treatment.

“A lot of men are reluctant to admit they have an anxiety issue problem. They often see anxiety as a sign of weakness,” said Paul Jozsef, the principal therapist at Paul Jozsef Counselling & Coaching.

Despite the high incidence of anxiety disorders in Canada, many men find it difficult or shameful to acknowledge that they have an issue with their mental health.

What is mental health stigma?

Mental health stigma refers to the negative attitudes toward a person or group of people experiencing mental health, rooted in the misperception that mental illness symptoms are based on a person having a weak character. Stigma, especially among men, often leads to shame and a sense of helplessness ².

‘Despite the stigma surrounding anxiety disorders, overcoming the stigma is not only possible but critical to recovering from mental illness.’

– Khan Bouba-Dalambaye, senior counsellor at Openspace Clinic

The stigma of an anxiety disorder often prevents people from seeking treatment or reaching out for help. Instead, many men live in isolation or with the fear of scrutiny and disapproval of those around them.

“Despite the stigma surrounding anxiety disorders, overcoming the stigma is not only possible but critical to recovering from mental illness,” said Khan Bouba-Dalambaye, senior counsellor at Openspace Clinic.

In association with Bell Let’s Talk, Jozsef and Bouba-Dalambaye suggest three ways the stigma surrounding anxiety disorders can begin to change:

Knowledge
The correct information is required to ensure that anxiety disorders are correctly understood. This can happen through initiatives such as Bell Let’s Talk or via workplace workshops to teach people about anxiety and how to manage it in healthy ways.

Attitude
Incorrect knowledge of anxiety disorders can create attitudes that are misinformed and unhelpful.

Behaviour
Misinformed attitudes can result in inappropriate and often discriminatory behaviour.

Left untreated, anxiety disorders can manifest as physical ailments. “Men who resort to unhealthy methods of quelling their emotional discomfort such as alcohol and drugs can find themselves on a very slippery slope,” says Jozsef.

‘Anxiety disorder stigma will end once it is openly addressed and discussed in the same way that asthma or cancer is.’

– Paul Jozsef, principal therapist, Paul Jozsef Counselling & Coaching

When is it time to talk?

If you’re concerned about yourself or someone you care for, Jozsef suggests looking out for the following symptoms:

• Changes in work performance
• Weight changes
• Mood changes
• Changes in physical health

Mental health advocacy initiatives such as Bell Let’s Talk is an excellent way to increase societal awareness and reduce the stigma around mental health issues such as anxiety disorders.

Letting someone know that it is okay to talk about how they feel is a great way to help someone you care about. There needs to be a change in the way our society views mental illness.

“Anxiety disorder stigma will end once it is openly addressed and discussed in the same way that asthma or cancer is,” said Paul Jozsef.

1. Mental Health Commission of Canada (2013). Making the case for investing in mental health in Canada. Available at https://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/sites/default/files/2016-06/Investing_in_Mental_Health_FINAL_Version_ENG.pdf
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2. Chatmon, B. (2020). Males and Mental Health Stigma. American Journal of Men’s Health, 14(4), 155798832094932. DOI: 10.1177/1557988320949322

Feature image: Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

Read also: other articles on mental heath

Paul Jozsef Counselling & Coaching is a psychology service for adults and adolescents seeking therapy in Westmount, Montreal. Services include in-person psychotherapy, as well as online counselling via Zoom. To learn more, visit pauljozsef.ca