Make the workplace a safe place to say “I’m not ok” and put mental health on the same footing as physical health. These were some of the main takeaway messages from the 2022 Boilermaker Eastern Tripartite Conference pre-conference workshop “Making Wellness a Priority.”
Hosted by the IBB Canadian Health and Safety Department and an expert guest speaker (Alison Butler) specializing in, workplace health and wellness the pre-conference workshop focused on several Mental Health and Wellness topics, including:
- Mental health and wellbeing,
- Signs that indicate you or someone you know may be experiencing stress or burnout,
- Stigmas that persist regarding looking after your mental health, and
- Strategies to improve how you experience stress or burnout, and how to help others.
According to Ms. Butler, at least 25% of Canadians present with symptoms of depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder – and these mental issues can often go unrecognized. Of the ones who are aware that their mental health is suffering, many do not seek out treatment for a variety of reasons ranging from lack of community resources, lack of awareness of available supports, or belief that they can handle things on their own. The number one reason people do not seek mental health support is the stigma that still accompanies mental illness and treatment. Everyone has a role to play in reducing stigma and treating mental health the same as physical health.
Burnout is another key mental health struggle that many in the workforce face; often it looks a lot like depression and can leave you feeling depleted or detached from your work, and your performance often suffers as a result. Worse than that there have been direct associations found between perceived stress at work and an increased risk of certain types of cancer and coronary heart disease. Work stress and burnout often have implications at home, too, leading to the family also suffering.
Identifying the signs of stress, burnout, depression, or other negative impacts on mental health is important for each of us as for the people in our lives, but that is only half of the battle. Awareness, education, and support are critical for helping you and your colleagues treat and prevent the unwanted harms to health that mental unwellness can bring.
Having someone you trust that you can talk to about stresses you are facing can help alleviate the experience of burnout. In fact, recent studies suggest that feeling disconnected from others is as significant a health risk as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a lack of physical activity.
Occupational safety and health promotion has been front and center in our collective efforts for years. Since 2019, the IBB has made deliberate and sustained efforts to improve the mental health of its members. Local lodge leadership and staff across the country have led the charge to incorporate foundational mental health training inside the apprenticeship program, shop steward training and as standalone member training.
The tripartite workshop was a necessary reminder of how important it is that everyone embrace the concepts of mental wellbeing and to ensure everyone has the information and resources available to them to help identify and treat mental health struggles in themselves, their Brothers and Sisters, friends and family.
If you or someone you know may be suffering from mental health challenges, help is available. Talk to someone you trust – a friend, family member and/or your local Member and Family Assistance Program (MFAP). Don’t be afraid to say “I’m not ok.” – you are not alone.
