Dr. Shelly Dev on CTV Bell Let’s Talk Day Special

Dr. Shelly Dev, a Sunnybrook intensive care physician, was a featured panel participant on CTV’s “In This Together: A Bell Let’s Talk Day Special”.

The show highlighted conversations with Canadians about the importance of mental health.

Dr. Dev has been vocal about her personal mental health journey over the years and shared a pivotal moment in her life when she was struggling postpartum and her doctor reached out with support.

“When someone you know says, ‘Something’s wrong,’ that is a moment that can save your life,” explains Dr. Dev. “And she saved me.”

Dr. Dev also noted that while it is common for health care workers to keep their emotions and hardships quietly to themselves, sharing difficult moments with one another can bring people together and let those who are in real need know that they’re not alone.

It’s what Dr. Dev calls, ‘the power of going first’ and offering to share an experience of struggling to make it easier for someone else to open up.

She says when she has been open about her mental health journey, often others will share their struggles as well, which is important in the health care community and beyond. Dr. Dev says when individuals talk about mental health and reach out for help, it can foster support and connection, which is especially needed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Being a bit vulnerable can be tough, but you can also save lives that way.”

More information from Sunnybrook experts: Coping during COVID-19 mental health resources »

If you need help in an emergency please call 911 or visit your local emergency department. If you’re feeling like you’re in crisis or need somebody to talk to, please know that help is also available through community resources:

• Find a local crisis resource at sunnybrook.ca/gethelp
• Crisis Services Canada
  • Phone: 24-hour, toll-free 1-833-456-4566
  • Text: 45645 (4:00 pm – midnight Eastern Time)