#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
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