Mental Health Resources

Mental Health Resources

Mental Health is a critical part of our well-being, but statistics show more of us are struggling with mental health issues, which can strike anyone, at any time:

  • Mental illness indirectly affects all Canadians at some time through a family member, friend or colleague;
  • 1 in 5 Canadians (20%) of Canadians will personally experience a mental illness in their lifetime;
  • Mental illness affects people of all ages, educational and income levels and culture;
  • Indigenous people and LGBTQ1A face higher rates of depression, anxiety, suicidality and self-harm than the general population;
  • Almost 3 million (Canada’s current population is approximately 37 million) Canadians have serious depression. Depression affects 10-15% of men and 15-25% of women (Footnote: http://www.CheckUpfromtheNeckUp.ca);
  • In a small survey done by another public sector union, 48% of workers surveyed said the quality of their work suffers because of having to do the same work or more work, but with fewer resources;
  • Currently almost half of all disability claims in the public service are related to mental health issues/conditions.

On this page you will find various resources for you to read, share and search. It might be you, a colleague, a family member or friend who is struggling, but having some knowledge and resources to share can go a long way to reducing the stigma the person might be feeling.  Mental health is part of everyone’s well-being – you can make a difference!

(Please Note: This information is only a guide. If you, or someone you know, is in distress, call 911 immediately.)

Mental Health in the Workplace

It is now estimated that one in five people in the work force are experiencing some degree of mental health issues.  In any week, 500,000 Canadians call in sick due to mental health problems or illness. According to The Mental Health Experience in Canada’s Workplaces Study (March 2017), workplace stress (34%) was a top cause of mental health problems or illnesses, with depression, and anxiety as the other top issues at 37% and 32% respectively.  Mental health issues were also a primary reason for missing work with 78% missing some work, and 34% missing work for 2 months or more. The survey also found that among the biggest barriers to getting help for a mental health problem are stigma and lack of education. (Excerpt from article by Bill Howatt, Chief Research and Development Officer of Work Force Productivity with Morneau Shepell).

Note: AMAPCEO’s Workplace Representatives (WPRs) are trained to assist members with workplace issues and/or disputes, including those which may involve aspects of mental health. If you have an issue in the workplace, please contact a WPR.

If you are concerned about yourself or a family member, it is always advisable to speak with your family doctor as soon as possible.  If it is an emergency, call 911 immediately.

Please find below some articles, fact sheets and other resources to help you get informed, help reduce stigma and make a positive change in your workplace today.

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety “Tool Kit” for the National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace 

Psychological Health and Safty in the Workplace (PHS): “The Standard”  


General Information about Mental Health and Mental Illness

MDAO Information Sheets

These sheets were first used at AMAPCEO’s 2018 WPR Conference. They are not meant to replace professional advice or diagnosis, but serve to provide general information about a range of mental illnesses and mood disorders.  If you are concerned about yourself or a family member, it is always advisable to speak with your family GP as soon as possible.  If it is an emergency, call 911 immediately.


Posters and Video Clips

The following posters and video clips are resources for you to use and share. You may wish to post some of the posters in your cubicle, or on the AMAPCEO bulletin board if your workplace has one. The video clips are just a small sample of those available on some of the websites listed in the External Resources section. Some of them are very powerful and can be useful to stimulate discussion and reduce the stigma which exists around mental illness.

Videos:
Canadian Mental Health Association

I Can't Breather - Mental Health is Health - CAMH


Taking Care of Yourself

In this section, you will find more MDAO materials which offer ideas and strategies for taking care of your mental health. They range from a quick mindfulness practice, to positive affirmations. Please take a look and feel free to share!

External Resources

 211 Ontario Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Domestic Violence in the Workplace - Learning to End Abuse Mental Health Commission of Canada  Mental Health First Aid Canada Mental Health Works National Initiative for Eating Disorders (NIED) Mood Disorders Association of Ontario Shelter Safe - Women's Shelter and Support The Lifeline - Suicide Prevention Workplace Strategies for Mental Health WSIB Ontario

Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) For Members in OPS, Health Quality Ontario and Ontario Arts Council

For confidential and immediate support with your health and well-being, you can contact Morneau Shepell at 1.888.880.9137 or visit their website: Work Health Life

Other BPS Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Public Health Ontario and Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care
For confidential and immediate support with your health and well-being, you can contact Shepell at 1.866.833.7690 or visit their website. Shepell

 

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