Talking is the best way to help stop stigmas; whether they’re over gay marriage, abuse, mental health, etc. On January 28th, also known as Bell Let’s Talk Day, one of the main telecommunication and media companies in Canada donates 5 cents for every text sent through the company, hashtag on Twitter and mention on Facebook towards mental health initiatives.

The annual Bell Let’s Talk awareness campaign was started to help reduce the stigma of mental health and to promote awareness and understanding on the topic. Bell believes that talking is the towards lasting change. Since 2010 Bell has donated $67.5 million towards mental health initiatives in Canada.

There are 5 main ways to help stop the stigma.

1. Language matters: pay attention to the things you say, words can both help and hurt
2. Educate yourself: learn more, know more
3. Be kind: carry out small acts of kindness
4. Listen and ask
5. Talk about it: don’t debate, start a dialogue

I believe that a major company within the United States should carry out an awareness campaign similar to Bell Let’s Talk. It would not only help stop the stigma within the country, but also educate and change people’s views on differences from person to person.

If people in America start tweeting or texting their wireless phone companies then maybe we can start an awareness/campaign to help our family and friends. Let’s follow in the footsteps of Bell Canada.