One out of every five people will suffer from mental illness in their lifetime. But, whether it’s a family member, friend, neighbour, work colleague, and/or yourself, five out of every five people will know someone suffering from mental illness at some point or at multiple points in their lifetime.
It’s astonishing that an issue that affects everyone has been shrouded in mystery and stigma for so long. That’s why Bell’s Let’s Talk campaign, created in 2010, has struck such a chord with mental health advocates and the public. By bringing people together to share their stories, including many famous Canadians, the Let’s Talk campaign has helped to promote awareness and action.
At HSH, we fully support this initiative. The Let’s Talk campaign has broken down barriers and demystified mental illnesses. It has helped to improve access to care for people with acute or longer-term needs and supporting research into a variety of conditions through fundraising. And has prompted companies to follow Bell’s example by launching initiatives within the workplace to promote discussion and understanding of the needs of people experiencing mental illness.
Disability in the Workplace
Unlike a cast on a broken leg, visible symptoms of mental illness can be completely absent or much more difficult to notice. People experiencing issues relating to mental health may feel as though they must suffer in silence out of fear of the stigma that has long been attached to various conditions. Yet depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, amongst others, can be just as debilitating or in some cases more debilitating as physical disabilities.
When a period of recovery is needed, short-term or long-term disability benefits may be one way of helping an individual who is suffering from mental health issues and unable to work.
By publicizing and helping to destigmatize mental illnesses, the Let’s Talk campaign has been one way to get these of conversations going. But talking is only the first step – there is a need to back up supportive words with action when it’s required. At HSH, we pride ourselves on being advocates for people with mental illnesses who have been unfairly denied long-term disability benefits from employers or insurance companies they rightfully deserve to help with their recovery.
See related blog posts:
- Depression’s Impact On Life & Work – The Importance of Disability Insurance Benefits
- “Sorry, We Don’t Cover That” – Exclusion Clauses in Long Term Disability Policies
- Signs An Insurer Is Not Negotiating A Long Term Disability Claim in Good Faith
It can be especially difficult for people battling depression, experiencing the debilitating symptoms of PTSD or facing other issues relating to mental health to contemplate focusing on a legal battle to obtain justice. We understand how insurmountable these barriers may seem when sometimes simply getting through a day can be exhausting. We want to assure you that you are not alone, and with us you are not just a file – you are a person.
If you believe you have been wrongfully denied short-term or long-term disability benefits – let’s talk about it. Let us review your claim and evaluate whether the insurance company’s decision was inappropriate and if it was, we can help.
Mental illness is a fact of life for millions of Canadians. With initiatives like Bell’s Let Talk campaign, and action from advocates and supporters like HSH lawyers, we can ensure people experiencing mental illness can receive the understanding, support and assistance to thrive.
For more information or to speak about a denial of short term disability or long term disability claims, please contact personal injury lawyer Brad Moscato at 416-646-7655 or bmoscato@hshlawyers.com.
