Let's Talk Day

He was always one of my favorite players with the Manitoba Moose. Rick Rypien passed away on August 15, 2011 after succumbing to his battle with depression, and it's still hard to digest when you think of the young man's extraordinary life in beating the odds to make it to the NHL. Undrafted out of the WHL, he went on to score NHL goals, fight the biggest and meanest kids in the yard, and still loved being out in the community with kids and families as a professional hockey player. Behind closed door, though, the vast majority of us had no idea the kind of battle that was being waged internally in Rick Rypien. Craig Heisinger did, and I think it's extremely important that every see the following video.

That's a moving piece by TSN, and Sara Orlesky deserves a nod for her work in this piece. While this feature has been nominated for a Canadian Screen Award, I think it's a necessary viewing for the conversation happening on social media on today, #BellLetsTalk Day. The hashtag won't be good for a donation here, but I would hope that you'll jump on whatever social media options you have available and use the hashtag or watch a few videos. Every time you do, Bell will contribute five cents towards mental health awareness and research in Canada - research that will save lives. Research that will go towards eliminating the stigma that comes with mental health issues. It starts with each and every one of us.

If you need to talk, please reach out. My email is above, the phone is nearby, friends will listen. We're all here for each other, and no one will turn his or her back on you. It's #BellLetsTalk Day, so let's talk, Canada. Let's have a serious discussion about mental health, and let's eliminate this stigma that comes with it. I'm here to listen if you need it, and I'll happily provide support if you reach out.

You're not alone. Never.

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!