May Employee Well-being: Mental Health Week
Canadian Mental Health Week
May 1-May 7
We have multiple layers and stories that make us who we are and while each year 1 in 5 Canadians experience a mental illness or mental health issue, 5 in 5 of us – that’s all people – have mental health. This year’s theme is: My Story.
The Canadian Mental Health Association will spotlight community-based mental health care champions, programs and communities while showcasing the importance of securing universal mental health care, what it can look like and how mental health care can be expressed and nurtured.
Sharing a personal story can reinforce feelings of strength, resilience, and perseverance. It’s also one of the most powerful tools to combat stigma and shame. But protecting your mental wellness is just as important as giving voice to your experience. If you choose to share your story, consider the following tips to help make sure you’re ready to take that step:
- Take your time
There’s no rush, and no “right time” to tell your story. Consider checking in with a mental health professional, peer supporter, or trusted friend to see if now is a good time for you to speak out. Supporting mental health is important, but lending your voice shouldn’t set you back. - Consider the implications for others.
Be aware that others may have different perspectives or different feelings about privacy. While your story is yours to tell, it’s important to consider how your disclosure could affect those close to you. Remember that you can only control the delivery, not the response. - Choose the right outlet and scale
Whether you prefer the intimacy of a small group of friends or the anonymity of a room full of strangers, you control how and where you share. - Be prepared to listen
Disclosure can be contagious — which is partly what makes it so effective in combating stigma. When someone hears or reads an honest account of a story that’s similar to their own, it can be the nudge they were waiting for to share their experience. If you’re open to sharing, also be prepared to listen. - Consider consulting subject matter experts
If your story involves details that may be triggering to those around you, consider consulting with subject matter experts. They may be able to help you tailor your disclosure to a reduce harm to vulnerable readers or listeners. No matter what you’re sharing, try to use language that reinforces a message of hope. - Mention specific mental health resources
When sharing your experience, point to specific mental health resources if you can. Someone hearing your message may need additional support. If a certain tool, website, or organization has helped you on your journey, let people know where they can find them.
McMaster’s Human Resources Services provides employees with resources and initiatives to promote positive mental health and well-being. Please take some time to view resources, programs, and initiatives below. For more information, please visit our Employee Well-being webpage.
Source: Canadian Mental Health Association
Source: Mental Health Commission of Canada
NEW PROVIDER FOR MCMASTER’S EMPLOYEE AND FAMILY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EFAP) EFFECTIVE APRIL 1ST
Telus Health:
McMaster University has selected Telus Health (formerly known as Lifeworks) as the new provider of its Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) starting on April 1, 2023.
The Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) is a free program available to employees and their dependents and can be used to access confidential counselling as well as resources to support mental, physical, social and financial wellbeing on a 24/7/365 basis.
Additional communication on the new program, including an exciting new EFAP online platform, updated resources / materials and details on the transition from Homewood Health to Telus Health will be shared shortly.
More information on McMaster’s EFAP can be found here.
THE WORKING MIND MENTAL HEALTH TRAINING
Human Resource Services, in collaboration with McMaster’s Okanagan Committee, is pleased to be launching The Working Mind mental health training for faculty, staff and leaders. This training directly supports our shared purpose of promoting and contributing to a healthy and safe community at McMaster University.
The Working Mind is an evidence-based training program designed to promote mental health and reduce stigma around mental illness in the workplace by initiating a shift in the way you think, act, and feel about mental health. The training offers practical knowledge and skills to address mental health and mental illness in the workplace. Three core modules offer the same foundational content to both employee and people leader participants and an additional module focuses on helping leaders support their teams’ mental health.
Currently, sessions are being offered for people leaders and additional sessions will be added for employees in the coming months. To learn more about the program and register for an upcoming course, please visit https://hr.mcmaster.ca/twm.
SAFETY AND HEALTH WEEK
The University Health and Safety team is excited to promote Safety and Health Week taking place May 1 to May 6. Safety and Health Week is an annual observance held in the first full week of May to spread awareness about occupational safety and health and to bring in systems that ensure the safety and well-being of workers.
CCOHS will also be offering sessions during Safety and Health week. Please visit their website for a list of sessions. Registration is required.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Professor Hippo on Campus Faculty Workshop
May 1, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Faculty and instructors (educators) and those who interact with, support and supervise McMaster students in many other ways (navigators) on campus are integral to building mental health support for students. While you are not be expected to be mental health experts or counselors, faculty and staff are often ideally situated to recognize and respond to stressed and distressed students, to start important conversations, and to limit unnecessary stress and distress. To do this you must feel prepared and comfortable to address student mental health needs in ways that are consistent with and appropriate to your roles and training. The Professor Hippo-on-Campus program has been designed and tested at McMaster to help accomplish these goals in an accessible, engaging and efficient format.
The Connection Between Nature and Mental Health: Panelist Presentation
May 2, 2023, from 12 p.m. 1 p.m.
The Healthy Workplace Committee is excited to announce an upcoming event in partnership with Mental Health Week at McMaster. The event will take place virtually on ZOOM. Our group of accomplished panelists will discuss the number ways in which nature can positively impact our mental health and overall well-being. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and share their own experiences related to mental health and nature.
Safety and Health Week: Annual BBQ and Vendor Fair
May 3, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Burke Science Building Lawn
Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) members can enjoy a complimentary lunch as a thank you for contributions toward health and safety at the University. All others are welcome to attend the BBQ for a minimal cost of $5. The event will also be consistent of a vendor fair, and the Health and Safety Award of Excellence Presentation.
The Working Mind Mental Health Training for People Leaders
May 3 & 4, 2023 from 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
The Working Mind (TMW) is an evidence-based training, developed to initiate a shift in the way you think, act, and feel about mental health. It was designed to provide practical knowledge and skills to address mental health and mental illness in the workplace. It is intended for people leaders who manage and support teams.
MindWell for Healthcare Workers
Begins May 8.
This program is sponsored by Wellness Together Canada via Health Canada and is completely free of charge for all Canadian healthcare workers. MindWell for Healthcare Workers was designed by healthcare workers to teach you the tools to build resilience and well-being, remain calm amidst chaos, and feel confident and capable each day. Short, simple, and effective lessons are provided in 4 weekly modules to give you maximum results in the least amount of time.
Signs of Spring! McMaster Forest Hike
May 18, 2023, from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Join us for a guided forest hike on McMaster Campus to celebrate the signs of spring! On May 18th, we will explore the natural beauty of our campus forest and observe the various signs of spring that have emerged.
Our experienced guide will lead us through the forest, pointing out the different species of plants and animals that have come to life during this season. From the blooming flowers to the chirping birds, we’ll discover the magic of springtime in the great outdoors.
Need Help? Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) – Telus Health: If your stress is overwhelming, please reach out to your health care provider or Telus Health for support. Individuals can contact Telus Health through their website, app or by phone toll-free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to book appointments, or access any EFAP service.Toll Free: 1.833.366.4544 Visit: Telus Health Virtual Platform Download: LifeWorks Mobile App |