Posted by

Harjeet Johal ,

January 25, 2017 Twitter

@HarJournalist

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VANCOUVER, B.C. - Today is Bell Let's Talk day in Canada, and for every text, call, tweet, Instagram post, Facebook video view, and Snapchat geofilter with #BellLetsTalk, Bell will donate 5 cents towards mental health initiatives. It's a monumental campaign to raise awareness, and help people struggling with mental health issues.



Today, for every tweet using #BellLetsTalk, Bell donates 5¢ to #MentalHealth initiatives. Join the conversation: https://t.co/sTwPdpseFh pic.twitter.com/U3oLbYDTSY — Bell Let's Talk (@Bell_LetsTalk) January 25, 2017

Mental health issues do not single out the rich or poor, black or white, young or old. People from all walks of lives, at all stages in their lives can be affected by mental health issues. It's important to talk to someone if you need help, find a friend who can listen and offer support.



Often times we think that professional athletes are except from commonalities like mental health issues. This is not the case. Sports men, and women struggle through the same daily grinds as everyone else. The public holds athletes in high esteem as superheroes or larger than life stars, mental health issues don't care, they don't exclude athletes, celebrities, politicians. #BellLetsTalk day is tomorrow! Get ready to join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, & Snapchat



INFO: https://t.co/RFW1FilmcW pic.twitter.com/wpq9R6ztpl — Vancouver Whitecaps (@WhitecapsFC) January 24, 2017

It's imperative that on a day like Bell Let's Talk day, athletes speak up and help to end the stigma around mental health issues. Red Nation Online spoke to a few Vancouver Whitecaps FC players before they left for preseason camp in Wales, on Monday. They shared a messages of hope and positivity for those needing a helping hand during difficult times.



Russell Teibert, Midfielder

"It's a big topic right now. Bell Let's Talk day is great, I think they donate 5 cents for every message, I think that's a great cause. We definitely need to spread awareness towards mental health. I can't say that there's one message, I just think everybody should participate. You know you're supporting a good cause. Be kind to everybody, be kind to each other, and help those in need."



Giles Barnes, Striker

"We're all here for you, don't be afraid to reach out to anyone. It could be someone really close to you, it could be a stranger. People are always lending a hearing ear, are always good to talk to." Sheanon Williams, Right-Back

"It's not easy, stay positive, and try to surround yourself with good people. There's always somebody willing to help, and there's always somebody that cares about you. Definitely, I wish everybody the best on Wednesday. Hopefully they have a good day." Kendall Waston, Centre-Back

"I would like to tell people to support Bell Let's Talk, because it's always nice to help people that need it. People that are struggling with that situation (Mental Health Issues), have a positive mentality. That is very nice, and we should copy that as well." For more information on Bell Let's Talk day - http://letstalk.bell.ca/en/.



