Today marks Bell Let’s Talk day, a day dedicated to eliminating stigma around mental health, but the national telecommunications company is receiving some criticism over reports of an unhealthy work environment.
Every year, on Bell Let’s Talk day, people across Canada take to social media, while giving what they can to support mental health charities, to encourage their fellow citizens to speak openly and freely on the subject. In addition, for every $5 donated to youth mental health providers on Jan. 22, Bell will match it.
Today is Bell Let's Talk Day! Let's support organizations that champion youth mental health.@KidsHelpPhone @StrongestFam @jackdotorg @JeunesEnTete @NAFC_ANCA
— Bell Let's Talk (@Bell_LetsTalk) January 22, 2025
To learn more, visit https://t.co/TDQFOh98QX pic.twitter.com/r7SeULwc7C
This year, the company is spotlighting the growing youth mental health crisis in Canada, which it says is in serious decline with increasing rates of anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation.
According to the organization, 1.25 million young people in Canada need help but half aren’t getting the support they need, while one in four have considered suicide.
“For 15 years, Canadians have been all-in with supporting Bell Let’s Talk, which continues to move mental health forward for people across the country. We invite all Canadians to participate in Bell Let’s Talk Day and help support important organizations that are helping Canada’s youth in need of mental health supports,” Mary Deacon, chair of Bell Let’s Talk, said in a statement on Tuesday.
In Toronto, local organizations have been speaking out in support of the day.
“Today is #BellLetsTalk Day. Let’s break the stigma and take action for our mental health. Play along with our Self-Care BINGO and explore simple but impactful ways to prioritize yourself today. Let’s talk—and act—together. #MentalHealthMatters,” Toronto Police Services wrote, alongside an image with self-care advice.
“Mental illness touches everyone, in different ways. Today, and every day, let’s work to end the #stigma and create positive change.#BellLetsTalk #MentalHealthIsHealth,” CAMH, Canada’s largest mental health and addiction teaching hospital located in Toronto, wrote on X.
Dr. Michael Tibolo, a doctor of Clinical Psychology, associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions for Ontario and MPP for Vaughan-Woodbridge, also spoke out online.
“Youth mental health is key to a brighter future. By ensuring timely, compassionate care, we help young people overcome challenges & thrive. Let’s keep the conversation going & reduce stigma.Together, we can build a healthier tomorrow,” he shared, with a short video outlining the importance of the well-being of young people.
Meanwhile, former Bell employees have been using the opportunity to call out the company who say it is responsible for creating detrimental work environments.
“It’s #BellLetsTalk day!! Let’s talk about how CTV destroyed my mental health & fired me after being harassed by two producers,” one X user wrote.
Bell Media is the parent company of CTV News.
Another X user, who says she is a former employee, also provided insight into her time at Bell.
“My silence is over. I will fight everything that is right because we deserve better…throughout my time at Bell Media, I experienced so much pain and humiliation that has deeply affected me, still to this day. Despite my dedication and passion for my work, I faced persistent tokenism, racism, and emotional abuse that were not only degrading but also profoundly isolating,” they wrote.
Now Toronto has reached out to Bell Media for a response to the criticism.
In Bell’s statement, it addressed the issue of work place mental health saying that the impact on business is “undeniable.”
“Mental health issues can manifest in decreased productivity, higher rates of workplace accidents, and increased absenteeism, all of which affect the bottom line,” the company wrote, adding that the financial impact of mental illness on employers is approximately $51 billion a year.
