Mental Health Awareness
Today is Bell Let’s Talk day in Canada and if you’re unsure what that is: “Bell Let's Talk is an awareness campaign created by the Canadian telecommunications company, Bell Canada, in an effort to raise awareness and combat stigma surrounding mental illness in Canada.” Not only is this a great initiative, but Bell is a big sponsor of the Montreal Canadiens and tonight will be Bell Let’s Talk night for the Canadiens home opener. If you want more information on this initiative and how you can help, I will link more information H E R E.
This day is also coinciding with my personal search for a therapist. As one of my New Year’s goals, I have committed to going to therapy, but I want to make sure I find a therapist that is right for me and my journey. Going to therapy is not as easy as it sounds, making the decision to go is just the first step, but a good one! It is important to do your research and find a therapist who fits your budget, your goals and your personality. It is so important to connect with the person who will be encouraging you and coaching you along the way.
Remember…
It is okay to leave a therapist.
If you go once or twice and you’re just not feeling the connection, not feeling like you can open up fully, then continue your search. You don’t owe anything to that therapist and they will not be offended. You need to find the therapist who is right for you.
Therapy has to have mutual respect.
Not only do you need to respect your therapist for who they are and their time spent with you, but they also need to respect you. If you ever feel disrespected or uncomfortable with how they are treating you, it is okay to speak up.
Therapy is confidential.
The point of therapy is to have a safe space to open up and explore who you are inside. Nothing that is discussed with your therapist should leave that room, unless you decide to share it with someone. You should feel comfortable and trust your therapist with your deepest thoughts and feelings.
Mental health can be a scary and confusing thing to explore, so look at your therapist as a bit of a tour guide, but also as your partner in this journey.
That said, I know therapy can be expensive.
Not everyone who needs a therapist has the access to insurance coverage or the funds to be able to pay for these services. Unfortunately, a service that everyone should have access to just isn’t available to many. Thankfully, many mental health experts have taken to Instagram or host their own podcasts to give us completely free places to get encouragement and education. I have gathered some of my favorite free resources and listed them below. I’ve even attempted to categorize them so that if you are looking for help in a specific area, you can find it.
General Mental Health:
Jake Ernst — @mswjake
Megan Watson — @thrive_withmeg
Matthias Barker — @matthiasjbarker
Tory Eletto — @nytherapist
Anxiety Support Community — @dlcanxiety
Dr. Jennifer Mullan — @decolonizingtherapy
Mimi — @the.lovelybecoming
Great Podcast: Ask Lisa
NYT bestselling author and columnist
Relationships:
Tracy McMillan — @tracymcmillan
Jessica O’Reilly — @sexwithdrjess
Sleep Resources:
Wee Sleep — @weesleep
Alanna McGinn — @gnsleepsite
Julia Glowinski — @glowsleepservices
Parenting:
Alyson Schafer — @alysonschafer
Canada:
Teens, Young Adults, and Families — @straightuphealth.ca
USA:
In any given year, 1 in 5 Canadians will struggle with mental illness — that’s 20% of our population. With statistics like this, we need to talk about it. We need to help those in need and that starts with days like today. If you have any more free resources, or tips for those in search of a therapist (like me!) please leave them below - the more resources and encouragement we give one another, the easier this will be.
Much Love,
