Get Real Photovoice: Mental Health at Work Matters

In the summer of 2017, the Superior Mental Wellness @ Work project asked the community to portray their mental health at work through creative photography.

REAL images and stories were submitted by REAL people who bravely and honestly answered two questions:

• How do you really feel at work?
• How do you take care of your mental health at work?

This exhibit features a collection of photos and captions selected from the submissions received. Each one is unique but collectively, they shed light on the reality of mental health in the workplace. The goals of the campaign are to reduce the stigma associated with talking about employee mental health and to inspire positive change towards healthy workplaces for everyone!

Check out some of the entries received in the video below.

***The Get Real Photovoice campaign is a project of the Superior Mental Wellness @ Work advisory group. Their mission is to create workplace environments that reduce psychological hazards and maintain positive mental health for employees in Thunder Bay and District. 

What can you do to support mental wellness at work?

• Learn more about the National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace.
• Have zero tolerance for disrespectful behaviours.
• Ensure staff is clear about what is expected of them and how their work contributes to the organization.
• Provide opportunities for staff to develop their skills.
• Support employees that come forward with concerns.
• Encourage and listen to staff ideas.
• Be as flexible as you can with work schedules.
• Make consistent and fair decisions.
• Celebrate achievements and recognize staff commitment.
• Ensure employees have the resources they need to do their job well.
• Promote healthy choices and encourage breaks.
• Encourage staff to work safely and to report any hazards in the work environment. 

• Take regular breaks. Walking outside in the fresh air can be very helpful.
• Practice relaxation and breathing techniques.
• Maintain healthy work/life balance.
• Eat well, be active, drink water and get enough sleep.
• If you are having trouble coping, talk to someone you trust. Get help from a health professional if you need it. There is no shame in asking for help. Visit the Menal Health Support page for a comprehensive list of mental health services nearby.

• If a co-worker seems troubled, let them know you are there for support.
• Listen without giving advice. Ask what you can do to help.
• Encourage them to take breaks.
• Support them to get professional help, if needed. Visit the Mental Health Support page for a comprehensive list of mental health services nearby.

Helpful Links

• Workplace mental wellness resources for workplace leaders
• Mental wellness for employees
• Free local workplace mental wellness resources

For Further Information

Call the Healthy Living Program at (807) 625-5900 or toll-free at 1-888-294-6630, or email workplacewellness@tbdhu.com.