Canada’s Para athletes share their stories on Bell Let’s Talk Day

Canada’s Para athletes were active on social media on Bell Let’s Talk Day on Thursday. They re-enforced the message of the importance of mental health, of keeping tabs on friends and family, and reminding us all that mental health is an everyday issue.

This year’s Bell Let’s Talk Day ultimately set a new record for engaging in conversations about mental health and posting on social media. 

Below are just some of the posts Canada’s Para athletes shared on the day: 

Para athletics thrower Ness Murby was busy sharing inspirational quotes and encouraging those with mental health issues to seek help.

The most important thing I have learned over the last 10 years is that it’s okay to ask for help, to lean on your support network, and to be compassionate towards oneself when things get “hard”. So grateful to have people who show up over, over, and over again #BellLetsTalk ❤️❤️ https://t.co/a91JV2K1gt

— Erica Gavel (@EricaGavel) January 28, 2021

Today is #BellLetsTalk day, a #MentalHealthAwareness reminder —#MentalHealth doesn’t discriminate, it’s a part of all of us. Time to stop perpetuating the stigma around MH topics & start talking together#MentalHealthIsHealth #EndTheStigma and let’s talk about it

— Ness Murby (@NessMurby) January 28, 2021

Greg Westlake, the captain of Canada’s Para ice hockey team, says sometimes just a conversation with a friend or family member can be a giant step towards a solution.

Nothing better than a good conversation! The benefits of being vulnerable and open about what you’re dealing with or going through can have a ripple effect and not only help yourself but others as well. Be an ear, be a voice, be kind. #BellLetsTalk pic.twitter.com/Hin5GxwyVp

— Greg Westlake (@gwestlake12) January 28, 2021

Also from the hockey team, Liam Hickey notes that even though we feel isolated these days it’s important to send support to each other by the many electronic means at our disposal.

If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that we all need support to get us through tough times. There is no shame in reaching out for help and you’re never alone. #BellLetsTalk

— liamhickey (@liamhickey1998) January 28, 2021

Arinn Young, the women’s wheelchair basketball scoring machine, was more direct in what can happen when people feel isolated.

I’ve had a lot of people in my life die by suicide, please please please speak up if you need help #BellLetsTalk

— Arinn Young (@Dah_Juice) January 28, 2021

Young’s teammate Erica Gavel re-enforces that seeking help is not a weakness.

The most important thing I have learned over the last 10 years is that it’s okay to ask for help, to lean on your support network, and to be compassionate towards oneself when things get “hard”. So grateful to have people who show up over, over, and over again #BellLetsTalk ❤️❤️ https://t.co/a91JV2K1gt

— Erica Gavel (@EricaGavel) January 28, 2021

Canada’s Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games chef de mission Stephanie Dixon shared her story about how all the small gestures can add up.

For Stephanie Dixon, small actions make a big difference when it comes to her #mentalhealth. This is her story: #BellLetsTalk CC: @SDixon_89 pic.twitter.com/UhvVhKqr43

— Bell Let’s Talk (@Bell_LetsTalk) January 27, 2021