In any given week, more than half a million Canadians will be absent from work because they’re struggling with their mental health. Seventy per cent of disability costs are related to mental illness. By the year 2020, depression will rank second only to heart disease as the leading cause of disability worldwide. The need to address mental health in the workplace is relevant now more than ever. But a big question employers and employees still have is, “how?”
“Stress, anxiety and mood disorders like depression are the most common mental health problems that impact the workplace,” said Mark Henick, program manager for Mental Health Works, (MHW) a social enterprise of the Canadian Mental Health Association and leader in workplace mental health education since 2001. “It’s important for the employee to reach out and ask for help, but it’s equally important for employers, manager and supervisors to better understand mental health issues and develop approaches to intervene at any stage of a problem.”
The issue of workplace mental health has come a long way in the past decade, said Henick. In response, MHW has updated its tools and is launching a newly modernized curriculum. With plain language and accessible teaching techniques, MHW equips people with practical tools to build awareness and respond to mental health issues, while also helping to achieve the goals of the National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace.
To mark Canada’s Healthy Workplace Month (Oct. 1-31), MHW offers these practical tips for everyone in the workplace.
Employers, managers, supervisors
- Look for Signs –Sudden behaviour changes, consistent late arrivals/absences, decreased productivity, making excuses for missed deadlines/poor work, and displays of anger/defensiveness may indicate a potential mental health issue.
- Talk About It – Arrange to meet an employee to raise concern and offer help. Beforehand, find out what resources – such as Employee Assistance Programs or community services – may be available and have information handy when you meet.
- Build Comfort – You want to minimize stress, not contribute to it. It’s important to talk about how the employee is valued before raising concern. Think about an individual’s strong points and contributions they’ve made. Be honest, upfront professional and caring in your approach.
Employees
- Talk to your doctor –1 in 5 people will experience a mental health problem this year but only a third will seek help. Depression is treatable, and most people who receive the right supports recover fully.
- Connect with a professional – Combining professional counselling with medical treatment is generally more effective than only doing one or the other. A psychologist, a psychotherapist, or a social worker has specialized training to help you learn new coping skills. Most EAP and benefit plans will provide access to these services.
- Reach out to those you trust – Close personal connections are one of the most powerful healing and protective tools to combat depression. Tell a family member, friend, or co-worker exactly what you need. It may be simply to listen, provide encouragement when you’re down, or doing things together that you enjoy.
- Live well – Exercise, sleep, and healthy eating are some of the first things to be compromised when experiencing depression. However, research shows that it works the opposite way too. Making conscious choices to lead a healthier lifestyle – especially when you don’t feel like it – can boost your mood.
For more practical tips, visit the newly relaunched Mental Health Works website.