Next week is Mental Health Week.
The Canadian Mental Health Association is encouraging Canadians to get loud about their mental health.
As employment lawyers, we see every day the impact that mental health has on the Canadian workplace. One in 5 Canadians experience a psychological health problem or illness every year. Almost half of Canadians consider work to be the most stressful part of their daily lives. And mental health is the leading cause of disability in Canada.
Employers and employees need to start getting loud about mental health, so suffering doesn’t need to remain silent.
We work frequently with employers on strategies to improve mental health in their workplace. We also help employees, reminding them that not only is there no shame in asking for help with your mental health, but you’re legally protected against discrimination for doing so.
So in honour of mental health week, do something positive to improve your mental health. Meditate. Exercise. Take a long walk on a sunny day. Or do what I’ve done – as you can see I’m recording this from my home library, surrounded by my books, which is truly my happy place.
Find your happy place, and take some time to recharge and rejuvenate.
It will be good for your mental health. I know that it is for mine.
