The Working Mind: Promoting mental health at work

March 5, 2024
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (with breaks)

Presented by the Mental Health Commission of Canada

Register here to be sent a link to the online meeting closer to the date.

Stigma is a major barrier preventing people from seeking help for mental health problems or mental illness, often delaying diagnosis and treatment. If identified and treated early, mental health concerns can be temporary and reversible.

Employees who understand their reactions to stress and how to manage these reactions are more resilient. They have the ability to recover from stress, traumatic events, and adverse situations. And it is possible to train people to recognize changes in their own mental health and become more resilient.

Program Objectives:

  • Increase your awareness of mental health;
  • Reduce stigma and other barriers to care in the workplace;
  • Encourage mental health conversations;
  • Strengthen your resilience in order to maintain wellness;
  • Help you support yourself and others
Topics Covered:
  • Mental Health and Stigma
  • Define basic concepts related to mental health and mental illness;
  • Recognize the impact of stigma and discuss how to reduce stigma and other barriers to care.
  • Mental Health in the Workplace
  • Recognize and keep track of changes in your mental health and well-being and know when to take appropriate actions;
  • Have conversations about mental health and mental illness with colleagues, friends and family members.
  • Stress and Resilience
  • Identify and practice coping strategies to manage stress and remain resilient;
  • Identify and use available resources to support yourself.
 
Deciding between "The Working Mind" and "Mental Health First Aid":
  • Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) teaches you how to identify and help a person developing a mental health problem, experiencing a mental health crisis, or a worsening of their mental health. Like physical first aid, MHFA assistance is provided until professional support arrives.
  • The Working Mind (TWM) trains you to reduce stigma and promote mental health in the workplace, creating a more resilient and supportive culture among employees and leaders.
  • Mental Health First Aid is more other-focused (you learn the skills to interact with and help others experiencing a mental health problem or crisis) whereas The Working Mind is more self-focused, (you learn to reduce stigma surround mental health (including self-sigma), mental health self-assessment, and how to build resiliency using CBT-based techniques).