Health & Safety

MENTAL HEALTH @ WORK

41% of people in Canada reported a decline in their mental health since the onset of the pandemic. 1

The pandemic has caused many workers to:

• Feel they are no longer in control of day-to-day tasks;

• Be concerned about co-workers, family or friends;

• Worry about finances;

• Fear getting COVID-19;

• Experience helplessness and loneliness due to isolation;

• Feel socially excluded or judged, and;

• Stress over safety measures at work, the re-opening of the economy, and public health measures. 2

A courier drive wearing a medical mask and flourescent vest looks back over their shoulder while seated in the driver's seat with their seatbelt on.

Those who experience mental health issues may pull away from their support networks out of shame, or fear that others won’t understand, or because they feel like a burden. 3

Connecting someone who is struggling to the right professional help is always best but you can’t force anyone to seek help. So, while it’s important to be supportive and lend an ear when you can, it’s also okay to know your limits and protect your own mental health. Focus on the things you can do; like doing your part to ensure the workplace is a safe space for people to bring their concerns forward and talk about what’s going on without fear of being stigmatized.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. There are resources, such as the Members’ Assistance Program (ufcw175.com/assistance) or an Employee Assistance Program through work. You can also find other community supports at 211ontario.ca.

1 Canadian Mental Health Association: Summary of Findings, Mental Health Impacts of COVID-19: Round 3. Accessed Mar 7, 2022: https://cmha.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/CMHA-UBC-Round-3-Summary-of-Findings-FINAL-EN.pdf (p2)

2 Government of Canada: COVID-19: Taking care of your mental health. Accessed Mar 7, 2022: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/mental-health.html#a9

3 Canadian Mental Health Association: Social Support. Accessed Mar 7, 2022: https://cmha.ca/brochure/social-support/

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. There are resources, such as the Members’ Assistance Program (below) or an Employee Assistance Program through work. You can also find other community supports at 211ontario.ca.