The good and bad of a corporate bandwagon
On Wednesday Jan. 27, 2016, Canadians took to the internet in droves, texting and tweeting almost 126 million #BellLetsTalk hashtags. This relatively new annual event has captured Canadians by storm each January, totalling this year to a more than $6 million donation from the telecommunications provider towards mental health initiatives.
Using hashtags to spark conversation, and the endorsement of celebrities bravely highlighting their own struggles, the initiative strives towards an end to the stigma surrounding mental illness. For the most part, response to Bell’s endeavour has been positive, and no one can doubt the benefits of instigating conversation surrounding such a difficult subject. However, as someone who is unfortunately very familiar with this topic, I think it would be naïve to consider #BellLetsTalk a complete success.
First, let’s start with the positives. The advantages to #BellLetsTalk reach everyone, from health care professionals to family members of those afflicted; from researchers to the one in five people who suffer mental illness themselves. Via the professional perspective, #BellLetsTalk allows for workers in the sector to reach out to those who may need them most, and for money raised to go to research, programs, and resources that may help society better understand how to help those suffering.
Yet, one could argue that the professional advantages are largely overshadowed by the profits gained by #BellLetsTalk. But what could mean for those with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, or any other affliction that may be part of an unfortunately long list. Financial gains aside, the purpose of this event is to get people talking about a subject that is too often perplexing, misrepresented, or altogether ignored. Failing to acknowledge the signs of mental health, and thus not receiving the help and treatment one needs, seems to be the current norm. We would respond with horror if a friend or loved one thought they had cancer but failed to seek help further for fear of being a burden or being judged. Why on Earth should mental health be any different?
However, #BellLetsTalk days can also be extremely frustrating for those close to the cause. Some might argue against the degree of corporate attachment—Bell’s name is, after all, included in each of those 126 million hashtags. So while Bell clearly has much to gain from the day, the subliminal advertising is not what truly bothers me about #BellLetsTalk. The real problem, I believe, lies in the fact that this is promoted and encouraged as a significant annual event.
#BellLetsTalk is not a true effort or monumental movement towards discussion, nor is it a continuous conversation that highlights sincerity. Indeed, a significant amount of the countless #BellLetsTalk posts streaming through my Facebook feed were shared by those whom I have seen firsthand stoke the fire of stigma surrounding mental health. While their pseudo-efforts are to be appreciated, a tweet or two means nothing to someone in the depths of darkness.
It is so incredibly easy for someone to post, “If you need me, just call or text, I’m here.” There is no real effort in a text, tweet, or Facebook post, and no authenticity if the author doesn’t follow through come Jan. 28, 2016.. This is not to say that everyone who hashtagged is an insincere bandwagoner—at the very least, the money raised will make a significant contribution towards bettering mental health. However, well-meaning or self-promoting social media activity will not make much of a difference to someone who needs real help.
What I suggest to those who are truly committed to erasing stigma is simple: your presence. Taking the time to let someone know that you’re concerned, without an accusatory or judgmental tone, can make a world of difference to someone who likely feels incredibly alone. The same goes for asking if there is anything you can do, if they’d like to talk about it, or being a reliable source of hugs when needed. You aren’t being asked to understand, nor are you expected to, but truly giving yourself to someone—in whatever capacity they need, that you are able to offer—will mean infinitely more to them than any hashtag ever could.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to spread the word Jan. 27, 2016 . An even bigger thanks to those who will consider to do so for the other 364 days of the year.