Mental Health
Mental Health Support
Mental Health concerns have touched all aspects of society in Manitoba including how we work. According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC), 1 in 5 Canadians experience a mental health problem or illness each year, equating to 500,000 employees unable to work every week due to mental health problems or illnesses.
Employees struggling with mental health learn to “fake wellness” in their workplaces. It is important to remember that Mental Illness is a challenge and not a weakness.
Employers need to be aware of their employee’s mental health status and be able to offer support as and when needed.
Individual Supports
Everyone strives for good mental health, just as we do with physical health. If you feel you are struggling here are some ways to start the journey to good mental health. This mindfulness technique is a simple way to help yourself on your path to wellness!
Crisis Support
Child & Adolescent Treatment Centre – 204-578-2700 or 1-866-403-5459
Westman Crisis Services 204-725-4411 or 1-888-379-7699
Manitoba Suicide Prevention and Support Line – 1-877-435-7170
Manitoba Farm, Rural & Northern Support Services – 1-866-367-3276
Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868 or TEXT TALK to 686868
Indigenous Hope for Wellness Helpline – 1-855-242-3310
Support Groups IN the Westman Area
Anxiety Disorder Association of Manitoba – Westman Region – 204-725-8550
Mood Disorder Association of Manitoba – Westman Region – 204-725-1232
Brandon Suicide Bereavement Group 204-761-4083 or brandonareaSBSG@gmail.com
Links and Resources
Employer Supports
When one is responsible for team members overall health and safety in the workplace, this extends to their mental health. Are your employees’ behaviors changing? Is someone abnormally absent, withdrawn, or unproductive? Do you sense they are unhappy or creating friction with others on your team? Here are some proactive ways to assist them!
C. Compare behavior with expectations A. Address your concerns with employee R. Reach out with supports E. Evaluate their health & check in often
By taking the time to observe and Compare your team members’ behavioral changes in the workplace, you will identify individuals that may be struggling mentally. Converse with them and Address the changes in behavior, maybe you can tweak their workload or assignments as easy fixes, or maybe just talking it out will help! Reach out to them with known community or professional support options and encourage them to take advantage of them. By checking back in with the individual, you will be showing them you care, able to Evaluate progress, and they will be more apt to try to resolve their issue.
Resources:
- Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA): “Not Myself Today” program – the CMHA provides many supports and resources for business to help their employees manage their mental health. The “Not Myself Today” program is designed to support employees with learning modules and tools for employees to manage their mental health. They charges a nominal fee to participating businesses—typically $5 per employee annually. https://www.notmyselftoday.ca/ https://cmha.ca/programs-services/workplace-mental-health
- Tranquility Online An app for individuals or organizations, Tranquility Online helps those living with anxiety get access to help that is stigma-free, affordable, timely, personal, and accessible https://www.tranquility.app/
- The School of Life The School of Life is “an organization built to help us find calm, self-understanding, resilience, and connection, especially during troubled times” and also offers articles and videos as well as virtual workshops and social events, online therapy, and other resources. https://www.theschooloflife.com/
Individual Supports
Everyone strives for good mental health, just as we do with physical health. If you feel you are struggling here are some ways to start the journey to good mental health. This mindfulness technique is a simple way to help yourself on your path to wellness!
S. Stop T. Take a Breath O. Observe P. Proceed
Take a breath, and observe what is happening inside you, noting your emotions and thoughts in this moment and acknowledge their presence. With gentle awareness of such presence, proceed.
Resources:
- AbiliitiCBT – You can visit https://www.manitoba.ca/covid19/bewell/index.html and download a free assessment and app “AbilitiCBT“. The app provides information, two free counselling sessions and strategies to cope with depression or anxiety as well as other mental health concerns.
- 7th Street Access in Brandon MB offers a number of health-related supports to the community of Westman including access to Community Mental Health workers who would provide resources and on-going care. Phone 204-578-4800 or visit https://www.pmh-mb.ca/index.php/7th-street-health-access-centre
- Crisis Stabilization Unit has accommodation for individuals who are receiving care for mental health issues. Their aim is to help you determine what you can do and what assistance you need – you make the decisions. They offer group and one on one counselling options. 204-727-2555 and visit https://www.prairiemountainhealth.ca/adult-crisis-services-south
- Employee Assistant Program may be an option if supported by your company/organization. They provide meetings with support therapists in the EAP program and are completely confidential. The EAP programs are typically used by organizations that are supported by a union or professional organization.
- Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba offers virtual groups and in person support groups weekly and to fit all schedules. This is a peer support organization that offers assistance with those struggling with mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder. Marian Goldstone – Westman Region westman@moodmb.ca 204-721-2174
- Anxiety Disorders Association of Manitoba is also a peer support organization that supports Manitobans seeking information and coping skills for anxiety disorders. They provide supports with programs offered a free 6-week online program called Anxiety and Worry Support Group. Debbie Fisch – Westman Region westman@adam.mb.ca 204-725-8550
We Help Westman Work!
For more information on mental health support in the workplace, feel free to reach out to our team of HR professionals!
