Every day over 500,000 Canadians are off work due to mental health- Every Day 200 Canadians attempt suicide
- My clients report that about a quarter of disability claims are related to mental health
- Mental illnesses cost Canada about $51.7 billion in 2015, 452,000 more Canadians would be participating in the labour force in 2016 if they were not affected by mental illness.
- These estimates of the economic impact do not include the costs of patient care, insurance for employers, services in communities, and the many intangible costs for the individuals affected and their families, too many people suffer in silence with mental health issues.
- One in five employees will experience a mental health issue during their working life. One in four people will experience a mental health condition in any one year and depression and anxiety affect 20 per cent of the Canadian working population.
It makes sense that mental health first aid should be considered just as important as physical first aid, both in the workplace and in society generally. Employers should train staff in mental health first aid so that mental health issues can be better identified and those affected can be supported and signposted for appropriate treatment by trained employees.
Mental ill health covers a range of conditions, each with specific signs and symptoms. Mental health first aiders (MHF Aiders) are trained to be aware of these and guide the affected person to relevant support. Mental health first aid and physical first aid should go hand in hand and all businesses should have employees able to provide support in both areas.
Sadly, in recent months the media has reported a number of high-profile people completing suicide each as a result of poor mental health. These serve as stark reminders of the tragic consequences that mental ill health can have on an individual and those around them.
Raising awareness of mental health and the risk of suicide continues to be as important as ever, but much like physical first aid, the situations that a MHF Aider might encounter are not always life-threatening. Put simply, if an employee breaks their arm in the workplace, the first point of call will be the trained physical first aider. If the same person showed signs of having a panic attack, who would be qualified to support them?
By training people in mental health first aid, we are teaching participants how to spot the signs and symptoms of the most common health conditions and how to guide the affected person to appropriate support.
Sadly, mental health in the workplace is a growing issue, but one that employers are able to contribute too in a positive way. Having staff appropriately trained so that they can help their colleagues, support them as necessary and point them to professionally help can contribute to the overall well-being of both employees and businesses.
“The construction industry has a stereotypically macho reputation and, perhaps as a result, mental health has not been something that people have been prepared to discuss openly, but that doesn’t mean it’s not an issue. Working away from home, long hours, pressing deadlines, environmental conditions and high levels of physical exertion are all factors that we have recognised could contribute to a person’s stress level and mental health. That’s why we decided to invite employers and employees to join the Train the Trainer Mental Health workshops.
So far, our Train the Trainers Mental Health First Aiders, has been well received, with new modules and DVD’s in the pipeline, further training courses arranged in several countries. We have designed a series of posters, and a comprehensive MH audit system, using International best practice standards, providing copies to all who are qualified MHF Aiders.”
The Mental Health First Aid educational course teaches people how to identify, understand and help a person who may be developing a mental health problem. In the same way that we learn physical first aid.
MHFA teaches people how to recognise those crucial warning signs of mental ill health, provide help on a first aid basis and effectively guide others in the right direction towards support.
By offering selected staff MHFA training, an employer is sending out a message to its employees that mental health is not something to be ashamed of or embarrassed about and that the earlier someone is supported, the more positive their recovery will be.
With more MHF Aiders being trained throughout the organisation, it is encouraging its employees to look out for one another and offer support when it is needed.
The model adopted by Safety Projects International Inc. is one of cultural change and is a hearts and minds exercise. It is not about allocating a person to become responsible for all matters relating to mental health but about educating and increasing mental health awareness and literacy throughout the organisation so that the emotive subject is no longer taboo.
Along with the continued roll-out of MHFA throughout Canada, and the world, Safety Projects International Inc. has also introduced a stress awareness workshop for every employee.
Larger employers offer an Employee Assistance Program, which is also promoted widely as a fully funded support service for those who may wish to speak to someone in a more anonymous setting.
This introductory report is designed as a discussion document for employers and employees to promote the health and well-being, including mental health as one of its six focus areas.
“Sound physical and mental health are essential both to employees and the communities in which they operate. The firm is developing a mental health management strategy which includes detailed impact measurement.”
Should you require further information, please do not hesitate in contacting the undersigned.
Bio:
Dr. Bill Pomfret; MSc, FIOSH; RSP. FRSH; CHCM; RSP;
Managing Consultant; Safety Projects International Inc.
Can be contacted at
26, Drysdale Street, Kanata, Ontario, K0A 3M0.
Tel: 613-2549233.
e-mail: pomfretb@spi5star.com
www.spi5star.com