Wellness Resources
Lakehead University is committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our Lakehead community, recognizing that investing in the enhancement of health and wellness interventions will better position us for success. We are committed to advancing the wellbeing of our faculty and staff through the promotion of year-round Wellness initiatives that include physical and psychological health.
Regardless of the kind of work you do or where you are on the organizational food chain, the toughest part of your job is likely not the work itself. Chances are your greatest challenge is keeping yourself emotionally healthy and maintaining a balanced attitude towards others around you.
When we come to work, we bring all aspects of ourselves – the things we’re thinking of or experiencing that bring us sadness or joy, anguish or pleasure. Between our emotional ups and coping with the mental health challenges of others – can be a daily challenge.
The Canadian stats show that at least 20 per cent of the population will have a mental illness sometime in their life. That tells only one part of the story. That one-in-five statistic identifies only those with a diagnosable illness, and only those who have sought out medical help. The stat doesn’t reflect the whole picture. You know from your own experience of being in workplaces that there are many others who display a host of behaviours that reflect poor mental health. The effects can often leave people feeling confused, hurt or shut down. Dealing with different kinds of health issues is never a simple or straightforward matter.
Addressing mental health issues at work can be tough. It’s not always clear who’s struggling. Often those who struggle are not sick enough to stay at home yet not well enough to be fully engaged at work. They show up – present in body but not in spirit. Their behaviour may be difficult. It’s not always clear how to respond — professionally or personally.
Whether you’re dealing with someone’s mental illness in the workplace from the perspective of a leader or a colleague, the question remains: how can mental health issues be addressed so that everyone succeeds, and is given the support they need? According to recent surveys, there is a considerable difference in perceptions about the effectiveness and perceived behaviour of support. We need to create work environments that are emotionally safe and address issues so everyone succeeds
(source: Mental Health Works)
Here are some resources available to Lakehead University’s employees (Faculty and staff) to help themselves and others:
Wellness at your finger tips
Here you will find resources available to faculty and staff as well as many Canadians on an ongoing basis, supporting mental health and wellbeing.
The above link provides many resources for Employees as well as Supervisors and we encourage you to explore these sites and utilize tools that meet your needs.
Mental Health Works is a social enterprise of the Canadian Mental Health Association.
All Workplace Strategies for Mental Health resources are available to anyone at no cost, compliments of Canada Life.
Wellness Together - Free virtual or phone mental health and substance use support, resources, and counseling with a mental health professional. Often can be connected same day. There are also free resources and articles that cover topics like managing stress etc.
Bounceback - Free skill-building program managed by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). It is designed to help adults and youth 15+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression and anxiety, stress or worry. Delivered over the phone with a coach and through online videos, you will get access to tools that will support you on your path to mental wellness.
Upcoming events that foster and promote Wellness
Spring into LearningThree events are available across Ontario (and beyond, time permitting), and they seek to showcase local businesses in Thunder Bay (Shumka Dust) and Orillia (Rind and Truckle, DWN chocolates).
Green Shield Newsletter
GSC Update, a monthly email that consolidates everything you need to know into one spot, with quick-hitting updates and timely reminders. You can get these newsletter emails directly to your inbox.
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