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 percent 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, https://www.mentalhealthworks.ca


Employee Wellness at your Fingertips

Here you will find resources available to faculty and staff on an ongoing basis, supporting mental health and wellbeing. The links below provide many resources for Employees as well as Supervisors and we encourage you to explore these sites and utilize tools that meet your needs.

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Whether you have questions about handling stress at work and home, parenting and child care, managing money, or health issues, your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides free, confidential, short-term counselling and referrals for elegible employees and their dependents.
  • Employee Benefits - Lakehead University has invested in a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees. Visit the Employee Benefits page for all of the details on the benefits that are available to you.
  • Employee Health, Safety and Wellness - This team within Human Resources provides information, guidance and support regarding short or long-term sick leave and accommodation plans for employees with disabilities.
  • 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.
  • ConnexOntario Helpline - Free and confidential health services information for people experiencing problems with alcohol and drugs, mental illness or gambling.
  • Mental Health Works is a social enterprise of the Canadian Mental Health Association.
  • TalkLife Workplace is an anonymous, 24/7 peer-to-peer support for employee mental health.
  • TED Talks - A selection of TED Talks focusing on various aspects of personal and professional well-being, including managing climate anxiety, procrastination, happiness, vulnerability, body language, and leadership. These talks offer insights and practical advice for enhancing emotional health, building resilience, and fostering a fulfilling life.

Workplace Strategies for Mental Health

All Workplace Strategies for Mental Health resources are available to anyone at no cost, compliments of Canada Life.

Source: https://www.workplacestrategiesformentalhealth.com

Find more TED Talks related to workplace health and wellbeing here: Wellness Resources - TED Talks


Superior Mental Wellness @ Work

Superior Mental Wellness @ Work project promotes workplace environments that reduce psychological hazards and maintain positive mental health for employees in Thunder Bay and the District.

Mental Health Crisis Support Services

Mental health crisis? Options for getting help.

  • Call 911.
  • Go to the nearest emergency room.
  • Contact Crisis Response
    • In Thunder Bay:  Call or text 807-346-8282
    • District of Thunder Bay: 1-866-888-8988
  • Call or text 988 to reach Canada's Suicide Crisis Helpline.
    Visit 988.ca to learn more.
  • Contact Hope for Wellness at 1-855-242-3310 or chat online.
    This service is for all Indigenous people across Canada.
  • Call the Connex Ontario Mental Health Helpline at 1-866-531-2600.

Upcoming Training Courses

    Applied Suicide Intervention Skills (ASIST) Training

    Canadian Mental Health Association, Thunder Bay is offering several ASIST workshops throughout 2025. For details, visit CMHA Thunder Bay ASIST.

    The Working Mind Training

    The Working Mind (TWM) is an evidence-based training program developed to initiate a shift in how you think, act, and feel about mental health. This foundational program is designed to provide practical knowledge and skills to reduce stigma.

    Infrastructure Health & Safety Association is currently offering The Working Mind for Trades courses for workers and managers. These virtual courses are FREE (after reimbursement) for a limited time for member firms. For details, click on the WORKER course or the MANAGER course.

    Opening the Door to Support

    Infrastructure Health & Safety Association is currently offering this FREE virtual course for supervisors and leaders. It offers practical skills and tools for setting the tone for a healthy workplace, improving one's own mental health and supporting the mental health of workers who are struggling. For details, visit: IHSA Opening the Door to Support.

    Canadian Mental Health Association

    The Canadian Mental Health Association is offering Psychological Health and Safety Professional Certificate Training and Psychological Health And Safety: The Essentials Training. There are several virtual sessions in 2025. For details, visit: CMHA Psychological Health and Safety Training.

    Workplace Safety North

    Workplace Safety North is offering the following workplace mental health sessions in person:

    Workplace Mental Health Resources

    Workplace Mental Health Toolkit

    Interested in supporting mental health at work, but don't know how to get started? Download the Superior Mental Wellness @ Work toolkit with helpful information and resources. [PDF]

    Help Cards

    These cards list some key mental health crisis services available. [PDF]

    Tip Cards

    Information cards provide helpful tips for workplace leaders and employees on supporting mental health in the workplace. [PDF]

    Wellness@Work Ebulletin

    Receive regular updates on news related to local workplace wellness sent directly to your inbox! Be first in the know about:

    • Upcoming education and training events
    • New workplace wellnes resources
    • TBDHU workplace challenges and contests
    • Local workplace wellness research

    To sign up, visit the TBDHU.com/workplaces page and complete the "Sign up for our newsletter" form.

    About Superior Mental Wellness @ Work 

    Superior Mental Wellness @ Work is a collaborative project that aims to promote workplace environments that reduce psychological hazards and maintain positive mental health for employees in Thunder Bay and across the District. It is coordinated by the Thunder Bay District Health Unit and supported by an Advisory Group. The Advisory Group is made up of over 20 partners from local public and private sector organizations who work together to provide the supports needed for local employees to have optimum mental wellness. Membership is open to individuals with a desire to collaborate on ways to promote mental wellness in worksites across the region. Email workplacewellness@tbdhu.com to learn more or inquire about joining the Advisory Group.

    Visit SuperiorMentalWellness@Work for more information.