Day 4 - 25 -- Let's Talk

It is an auspicious day marked by two events. Firstly it is the seventh Bell Let's Talk day -- a day to encourage conversations about mental wellness. It has been a successful campaign, one that few people don't know about. Many citizens, both famous and not, share their stories of dealing with the challenges of mental health issues. Some people on the morning show spoke about their personal struggles and others spoke of the impact this can have on family life. All conversations noted the need to talk, which means someone has to listen. Choosing who to open up to the first time takes courage. I've often spoken about how I wish we didn't have to call this 'mental health' when there is a biochemical basis of the many syndromes. It should just be 'health'. How is this different from diabetes or a broken arm? They all require medical intervention. Yet, there is still stigma around some illnesses. I have noticed that the younger generation is speaking about this more than 20 years ago. This shows me that there is hope for that stigma to be minimized if not totally dissolved.

The second item celebrated today is Robbie Burns Day -- the Scots poet. Living in a community that is predominantly Scot background --  our street signs are in English and Gaelic -- this likely means more to me now than it used to. I do have Scots ancestors, so I've embraced some of the cultural heritage since moving here.

There are two song choices for today. To me, the first reflects our need to be ready to listen and support when someone is ready to talk. The second one is to remind us that we can't always tell by looking if someone is struggling. We are able to cover up a lot with layers of imitation happiness. Each is sung by a Scot in honour of Burns. Enjoy!

I'll Stand by you -- Rod Stewart

Tracks of my Tears -- Rod Stewart