World Mental Health Day – October 10, 2024

Oct 10, 2024

It’s time to prioritize mental health in the workplace

Today is World Mental Health Day.  

We spend one third of our lives at work and our day-to-day can bring stress and anxiety that will have long-term effects on our mental health. 

Here’s our current reality: 

• More than one-third of Canadian workers face high mental health risks.  

A supportive work environment fosters mental health, providing purpose and stability. But poor working conditions can harm mental well-being, reducing both job satisfaction and productivity. There are various risks to mental health that workers may face including discrimination, poor working conditions, or limited autonomy. Low paid or insecure jobs often lack adequate protections, leaving workers in these jobs more exposed to psychosocial risks. 

• Every week, at least 500,000 Canadians miss work due to mental illness, costing the economy an estimated $51 billion annually.  

Stigma often prevents people with mental health conditions from seeking help or finding and keeping jobs. Reducing workplace stigma through awareness, training, and engagement with people living with mental health conditions creates healthier, more inclusive work environments.  

• More than 1 in 2 people facing mental health challenges aren’t receiving the support they need. This represents just over half of the 15% of people who either are currently accessing mental health services or feel they should be but aren’t.  

Employers should provide managers with training to recognize and address stressors in the workplace. Trained managers can effectively support their teams and foster a healthier, more supportive work environment. 

Although employers have the primary responsibility to protect and promote mental health at work, you can take steps to support your own well-being. Learn techniques to manage stress and stay mindful of changes in your mental health. If needed, reach out for support from a trusted friend, family member, colleague, supervisor, or health professional 

The Canadian Mental Health Association, Vancouver-Fraser branch is here to help.   

Our workplace education program provides workshops for employees, management, and community workers. It equips you with the necessary tools to recognise and respond to colleagues who are struggling with their mental health.   

 You can make mental health a priority in your workplace by reaching out to us today.  

Pay-it-forward by supporting the people who support you daily.  

Ensure our community and frontline workers across the lower mainland receive the vital psychological strength and resilience training they need to face their everyday challenges by giving what you can.   

Hear from workplaces that are making mental health a priority by taking advantage of CMHA-VF’s programs:  

“I reached out to CHMA, Vancouver-Fraser and had a great experience.
I have a team of peer advocates who works with people with mental health issues and substance use disorders.  CMHA-VF listened to our needs and customized their programs to fit our company. 
The 2 day workshop was “bang on” for what my team needed. My manager was very impressed with the caliber of the workshop. She thought other staff members from HEU should take this workshop.” ~ Eilene Martin, Hospital Employee Union.

“CMHA, Vancouver-Fraser was instrumental in supporting our community’s needs. They provided training which sought to strengthen responses, build understanding, and reduce stigma around Mental Health. Their facilitators bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to each training session;  which were often comprised of people with a variety in levels of comfort and understanding of mental health in our community. The training sessions offer a wide variety of options for those with little understanding to those who have a greater understanding surrounding mental health.”  ~ Kathy Collins, City of Courtenay.