Mental illness can impact anyone…like me. I had never been depressed in my life. Yet I would be diagnosed with major depression with psychotic features. In 14 months, I would go from down to dark. I would lose over 30 pounds, be sleep deprived and could not get out of bed. Crucial to my survival was that I was hospitalized and got better. Going back to work was also important. At Telpay, I was treated with dignity, compassion and respect. Now four years later, I am in full recovery, drug free and share my journey from hell to well to help others.
At Telpay, we encourage everyone to talk about mental illness to reduce stigma and create a safe workplace for all. Telpay was thrilled to be awarded 2013 Hero of Mental Health in the Business Category and sponsor Clara Hughes Big Ride Social in Manitoba.
I am very proud to be part of the Telpay Family and now it’s your turn to join the dialogue.
On January 28, as part of Let’s Talk Day, Bell will donate 5¢ more to mental health initiatives for every:
- Tweet using #BellLetsTalk
- Facebook image share
Also, if you are a Bell or Bell Alliant customer and you send a text message or make a mobile and long distance call, Bell will also donate to mental health. Learn more about Let’s Talk Day.
As someone who battled mental illness and survived, I know how first-hand how much stigma hurts and how important it is to create safe workplaces. Whether you talk, text, tweet or FB, let’s talk to change our attitudes, so we can all work to eliminate the discrimination and stigma attached to mental illness.