Hope & Growth Counselling
578 Falwyn Cres. K4A 2A4 Ottawa, ON, Canada

What I love about Bell Let’s Talk, is that it provides a platform to break down the stigma related to speaking out people’s truths & experiences. Mental health affects us ALL and even though there have been advancements in the field, stigma, research and $$ for services is still massively lacking. Let’s continue to talk about our feelings & experiences, be a friend to those who need a listening ear, seek counselling when we need it, and demand politicians & organizations for better services and access to care. #bellletstalk

With the amount of tragedies & suicides I’ve heard about in the past few weeks, I thought it would be fitting to put this out there. Sometimes, simply existing & surviving is work. I want to encourage that focusing on the present and making it through the day is good enough sometimes. If you aren’t in a good place, reach out and tell someone or call the distress line. Know that no matter how you feel about yourself, you are worthy of love & belonging.

We don’t live in Hallmark movies; we live in the real world, where shitty families, breakups, divorces, miscarriages, death, unemployment, depression, anxiety, addiction, violence, and good ol'-fashioned bad times exist. It's OK to not be OK around the holidays, and it's a good idea to make a plan for how you'll take care of yourself.

Hearing That really sucks! or That sounds so stressful! is often more helpful than any of the lectures, questioning, or unsolicited advice that may follow. It may sound silly or like unnecessary fluff, but we are hardwired to need connection, and only in feeling heard do we truly feel connected, supported, and understood.

Stigma prevents people who use alcohol/drugs (or their family) from receiving the help they need. Terms like "addict", "drug abuser", "junkie" dehumanize people who are suffering. Health Canada recommends non-shaming terms should as drug use, someone living with a substance abuse disorder, or someone in recovery.