“Mental health is a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully and is able to make a contribution to his or her community”

There are various mental health conditions that I could address but today I want to focus on depression. Websters dictionary defines it as “a state of feeling sad. : a serious medical condition in which a person feels very sad, hopeless, and unimportant and often is unable to live in a normal way.”

Studies have shown that almost everyone suffers from some form of depression at some point in their lifetime.  Whether it be major or minor. So why is there such a stigma behind it? If it is so common, why are people afraid to tell others they are suffering and in pain?

We live in a culture where it is frowned upon if you are having a down day. People ask you how you are doing, but really do not want the real answer. Imagine we lived in a world where people were transparent and just said the truth and people received it. No masks and no pretending. Just people being real.

I am writing this blog today in lieu of #BellLetsTalk day. Since 2011 Bell Canada has had the initiative on a day in January where they will donate 5cents for each text, mobile and long distance phone calls, tweets, and facebook image shares to Mental Health initiatives. Last year $5,472,585.90 was raised through this method. Mental Health is just as important as physical health yet it is not valued that way. It is an illness of the mind rather than other forms of the body. It is fine to tell your boss that you are not coming in because you have the flu. However it is not fine to tell your boss, “I am depressed so I cannot function at work today”. That would not be acceptable. We have to change the way we view Mental Health. Being depressed can be more debilitating than having the flu.

So talk, text, tweet, and share today. Let’s raise some money for mental health.