#BellLetsTalk
This post is in support of Bell Let’s Talk – an initiative focused on raising awareness and encouraging dialogue about mental health.
I AM OBSESSED with NBC’s This is Us! If you aren’t already a fan of this award-winning drama, I suggest you binge watch this week to catch up with everyone else who is eagerly anticipating the can’t-miss episode, scheduled to air right after the Super Bowl.
Truthfully, I’m still reeling from last week’s episode and don’t mind having an extra five days to compose myself and prepare for the inevitable.
For those who still need binge watch enabling, here is an overview:
This is Us transitions seamlessly between the past and present; each beautifully written episode shares timeless lessons about love, loss, and the daily struggles and parallels of both generations of the lovable Pearson family.
HOW DOES THIS POST TIE IN WITH MENTAL HEALTH AND ANIMAL WELFARE?
The subject matter of the show includes financial struggles, adoption, ethnicity, body image and other mental health issues including anxiety and addiction, cancer, and of course, grief.
I particularly appreciate the storyline that includes a stray dog who finds his way into the Pearson household. A dog who, it seems has much more to do with the story than we know at this point. Another favourite episode introduces us to ‘Clooney,’ a stray cat that befriends those who need a friend.
It’s not surprising animal companions are introduced in the show; we all know how therapeutic the companionship of animals can be
The show also promotes animal rescue – I can’t say more than that for now.
What is particularly unique about this show is that it is structured around one, life-changing event – the premature death of Jack Pearson.
Why binge-watch?
After 31 super-emotional episodes, we finally learned the cause of the fire that (supposedly) killed Jack. No doubt everyone will be talking about next week’s episode and other pieces of the puzzle will also come together. You won’t be able to avoid it – unless you go into hiding.
My biggest fear is a house or building fire. More specifically, animals trapped inside burning structures. Whenever I see coverage on television, I pray there weren’t animals left behind, and I am beyond relieved when I learn that animals were saved. It is impossible to avoid learning about these situations – as well as the news, someone always knows of someone who has experienced the nightmare of losing a pet in a fire.
Being involved in animal welfare and rescue, people feel compelled to tell me the most horrific stories. In most cases, I’m not able to help change the outcome as the instance has already occurred. Regardless, they still feel I should know – as if telling me lessons the emotional impact the story has had on them.
I am haunted by these stories and the images conjured up in my mind
Last week’s episode of This is Us affirmed my choice NEVER to use my slow-cooker during the day. I’m just not willing to take that chance with my animal companions in the house.
Grab some tissues; Sunday’s episode will be even more gut-wrenching!
Check back next week for tips about fire-prevention and keeping your companions safe.
Today, for every tweet and retweet using #BellLetsTalk, Bell donates 5¢ to #MentalHealth initiatives in Canada. Join the conversation: bell.ca/letstalk
Carol Bryant says
I dont think I can get through the SuperBowl knowing Jack is dying on This Is Us. I want to help, stop it, get them all out. Now. I am nervous just thinking of it. Good post. Hugs.
Sweet Purrfections says
I hadn’t watched This is Us last year but when it became available On Demand, I binge watched it one weekend. Now I LOVE the show. I’m sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happens with the dog and cat.
Beth says
It is definitely going to be a heartbreaking episode. Despite the sadness of some of the episodes, I just love it. The way it moves back from past to present is so well done. Like you said, it addresses so many important topics. I’m looking forward to your post about fire safety.
Rachel says
This is Us is such a wonderful show! I am glad that I caught up before reading your post, though. 🙂 I loved Clooney, but wished he’d found a real forever home. They kind of alluded to something, but it still left me wondering about him.
Amy Hempe says
The last episode was a doozy. Had Kate left the shelter never to return, I was going to jump ship. Fortunately she made the right choice. (But can we talk about how Hollywood presented that dog as a perfect angel, when we all know he wouldn’t have stayed in that room for a few minutes by himself without chewing or crying)
The crock-pot was framed. I think the old man rigged it.
Stephane Seger says
This sounds like such a great show. I love that they are tracking the lives of a family as there is so much to be learned and applied to our own lives. I will have to check this show out for sure.
Sonja Montecristo Travels says
Haven’t gotten into the show yet… binge watching a few other things for now. I do like what I have heard so far. As someone with an anxiety … I worry about the impact this show may have on my own mental health!
Ruth Epstein says
I have never watched this program but then I do not TV but from your post it sounds really sad and not sure if I could handle it – especially when it comes to fire which is my biggest fear having Layla
Sadie says
The show is very well written. I’m sure you could handle it and would enjoy.