January 18, 2021
How can you help someone in mental distress?
Follow the 5 steps in an easy-to-remember acronym: ALGEE.
A - Approach & Assess
L - Listen Without Judging
G - Give Reassurance
E - Encourage Professional Help
E - Encourage Other Supports
December 14, 2020
Mental health is a journey, not a destination.
In addition to regional and national FSEAP member assistance programs, members can access support and track their progress 24/7 with no fees through Wellness Together Canada. To learn more: https://ca.portal.gs/?lang=en-ca
Where to get help:
- Canada Suicide Prevention Service: 1-833-456-4566 (Phone) | 45645 (Text, 4 p.m. to midnight ET only) crisisservicescanada.ca
- In Quebec (French): Association québécoise de prévention du suicide: 1-866-APPELLE (1-866-277-3553)
- Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 (Phone), Live Chat counselling at www.kidshelpphone.ca
- Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention: Find a 24-hour crisis centre
- FSEAP Member Assistance Program:
November 27, 2020
Free mental health in the workplace training from Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
Did you know that about one in five Canadians experience mental health issues at some point during their working years? Mental health is on everyone’s mind right now as we navigate through COVID-19. The Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety offers e-courses on various Health and Safety topics, including Mental Health awareness and prevention. To support workplaces during the COVID-19 pandemic, CCOHS has made these courses free of charge until December 31, 2020. For more information, visit:
https://www.ccohs.ca/products/courses/mh_awareness/
October 7, 2020
Movember Conversations
Movember Conversations uses simple steps to help navigate a conversation about mental health. There may be men in your life who are struggling. Put the acronym A.L.E.C. to use with these helpful hints at https://ca.movember.com/mens-health/mental-health.
Whether you can offer support or need to get support. Strengthening our social connection through family, friends, and co-workers will benefit us all.
September 21, 2020
Cultivating Resilience in the Wake of COVID-19
While there’s much talk about a potential echo pandemic of mental illness following COVID-19, such a result is not inevitable. We can all cultivate resiliency by focusing on the actions and attitudes that strengthen our mental health.
To learn more, click on the image below to view a poster (PDF) from the Mental Health Commission of Canada:
September 10, 2020
World Suicide Prevention Day
World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), on 10 September, is organized by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and co-sponsored by the World Health Organization. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness around the world of the tragic toll suicide takes on individuals, families, communities and that suicide can be prevented. For educational resources and counselling support, contact the Boilermaker member assistance program:
Additional resources: Wellness Together Canada
If you know of someone who needs immediate help, call 9-1-1.
August 27, 2020
How to Manage Return Anxiety as the Lockdown Lifts
As the COVID-19 curve flattens and the country begins to re-open, many people are facing a new set of concerns, sometimes called return or re-entry anxiety. The sources for this anxiety include worry about a heightened risk of infection, new social expectations, and the adjustment of routines to new work realities.
To learn more, click on the image below to view a poster (PDF) from the Mental Health Commission of Canada:
July 30, 2020
Mental Health Videos
These short videos will provide insight on how to assist and recognize when stressful situations arise that can affect your mental health. Everything needs maintenance even your mental health. Life is better when everything is running smoothly.
http://thinkmentalhealth.ca/watch-videos/
July 21, 2020
COVID-19 Self-Assessments
Below are two anonymous online screening tools provided to help identify symptoms of COVID-19-related stress and general distress. These tools are intended to educate and are not designed to provide a clinical diagnosis.
July 15, 2020
Tips on talking to someone in crisis during COVID-19
Here are some tips on how to communicate and assist people suffering from a mental health condition. During these uncertain times, many people find themselves seeking someone to reach out to for support. You may be that individual and reading this will provide valuable insight.
Tips on talking to someone in crisis during COVID-19 (PDF)
July 9, 2020
Tips for Managing COVID-19 Anxiety
The COVID-19 pandemic has created disruptions in our lives that can cause feelings of stress and anxiety. These feelings are normal. These tips can help you manage those feelings.
June 22, 2020
Managing COVID-19 Financial Stress
If you’re feeling stressed or anxious about finances right now, you’re not alone. From precarious employment to hard-hit investments to fears about the global economy, very few are immune to the new financial reality ushered in by COVID-19. Click the link below for some practical advice.
Managing COVID-19 Financial Stress (PDF)
May 28, 2020
Mental Health Video Series
A series of videos on mental health by Dr. Bill Howatt will assist in keeping the pandemic in perspective. Look at the titles and choose the ones which will help you manage your mental health. Reach out to the more vulnerable people in your life. BE KIND. STAY SAFE. STAY HEALTHY.
Click to view the videos: Mental health and COVID-19
May 21, 2020
Bounce Back
BOUNCEBACK is a series of videos designed to help manage mood, depression, anxiety, stress, and worry. Choose to watch one or all of the videos. Reclaim Your Health. Help keep everyone strong healthy and safe.
To view these videos:
1. Visit https://bouncebackvideo.ca
2. Sign in with your email address and the login code bbtodaybc
May 8, 2020
Who do I choose to be during the COVID-19?
Staying in the moment can result in a much healthier perspective regarding Covid-19. How you gather and react to media sources can impact how you feel. Stay well.
Who do I choose to be during the COVID-19? (PDF)
April 29, 2020
Wellness Together Canada
Due to COVID-19, many people are concerned about their physical and mental wellbeing. Canadians are being challenged in a number of ways because of isolation, financial and employment uncertainty and disruptions to daily life. Wellness Together Canada provides free tools and resources to help get Canadians back on track. These include modules for addressing low mood, worry, substance use, social isolation and relationship issues.
To learn more: https://ca.portal.gs
April 22, 2020
10 Ways to Cope with Anxiety about Coronavirus (COVID-19)
During times of uncertainty, you may notice an increase in anxiety. Here are some things you can do to help yourself cope. The University of Victoria suggests these science-based strategies.
10 Ways to Cope with Anxiety about Coronavirus (COVID-19) (PDF)
April 16, 2020
Deal with problems in a structured way
All the issues you might need to address during this pandemic situation may feel overwhelming. It can be useful to identify which things are problems that need to be solved or addressed, and which are just worries that are not necessarily grounded in reality. See the file below from The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) for some steps you can take to resolve issues that come up for you.
Dealing with problems in a structured way (PDF)
April 9, 2020
Mental Health Continuum Video
Mental Health we all have it. See how it can affect you both positively and negatively. Watch this 3-minute video and see what you can do to make yourself the best you can be. Please share it with your fellow brothers and sisters. In times like these, we need to think of our most vulnerable members. Keeping in contact goes a long way to prevent isolation.
March 31, 2020
Self-care & Resilience
With the added stress of the current COVID-19 situation, we want to ensure you remain healthy. Please view the following to complete a self-assessment on your mental health. The guide is for anyone in your family. If for some reason you feel in need of assistance. There is always someone to assist. The FSEAP program, a friend or family member. IT’S OK NOT TO BE OK. Just ask for assistance and call 1-866-990-1113. The Boilermakers are only as healthy as our members. You are part of our team and we want everyone to be at their best.
Self-care & Resilience Guide (PDF)
March 23, 2020
Choosing sources of information carefully is critical to COVID-19 mental well-being says Mental Health Commission of Canada
In the midst of COVID-19, it is increasingly difficult to avoid the bleak headlines and bright-red news banners. Staying informed is, after all, one way many of us try to win back a semblance of control. But while it's natural to seek information about this unfolding public health crisis, we must also take steps to protect our mental health. Click here to learn how you can protect your mental health.
For additional resources and Employee Assistance Program contact information, see: Member Assistance Programs
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Stronger Minds by Beacon is a free digital program for all covered Boilermakers to support their mental well-being through the COVID-19 crisis. Learn more: https://www.mindbeacon.com/strongerminds
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