Save-My-Life School

Every year, Bell (a Canadian telecommunications company) runs something they call “Bell Let’s Talk day”, a campaign to raise money and awareness for Mental Health initiatives. Every time someone tweets, posts a photo on Instagram (using BellLetsTalk), uses the snapchat filter, makes a call/texts on the Bell networks or watches/shares the videos on Facebook, Bell will donate 5 cents to mental health initiatives. Over the years, millions have been raised and this money has gone to community programs across Canada.

No program is perfect, but I have seen the good this initiative has done, and I’ll always be thankful to Bell for that. My own community (where I grew up) has had youth programs benefit from the funds. Of the over 6 million dollars that has been raised over the years, almost 2 million has gone to children and youth programs, 500k has gone to Indigenous communities and 1 million has gone to supporting military families and those suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

I can think of no better day for Natalie Harris to release her memoir Save-My-Life-School: A first responder’s mental health journey. Based on her real-life experiences as a paramedic, Save-My-Life-School is an inspiring, but raw look at Harris’ own battle with mental health and PTSD. As I was reading it, there were times when I had to put the book down and take a moment to process everything that I was reading. Yet at other moments, I was laughing out loud at her wit and humour. She holds little back, talking about how her PTSD has affected her relationships with friends and family (one of the most devastating parts for me to read was when Harris lost full custody of her son after her second attempt at taking her life). Yet despite the ups and downs, Save-My-Life School is ultimately a story of hope.

This book is a must read for anyone wanting to better understand what first responders go through and how to support them, as well as anyone wanting to better understand the inner workings of PTSD.

Though we have come far in understanding and breaking down the stigmas of mental health, we still have a long way to go. Please show your support, whether Canadian or not, by engaging in the Bell initiative today. As one of Bell’s ambassadors this year, Harris has shared that a portion of all proceeds from books sold will be donated to Mental Health Initiatives. So in whatever way you’re able to support, get out there and let’s make our voices heard!

Save-My-Life School is available online at:

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