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.

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

Superior Mental Wellness @ Work

The 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.

*NEW - FREE WEBINAR: Creating a Psychologically Healthy Workplace - Simple Steps for Workplace Leaders
Wednesday, December 4, 2024 from 10:00 - 11:00 am

While it's no secret that employee mental health challenges are on the rise, adequately addressing them can be quite intimidating for an employer, leaving leaders with good intentions but lacking the knowledge to enact meaningful change. Join our workshop for practical guidance on fostering a psychologically healthy work environment. Designed for HR professionals, leaders, and informal influencers, this session breaks down the process into practical key actions any organization can take. Discover how a focus on training, communication, strategy, and stigma reduction can lay the foundation for a supportive workplace culture. Throughout this session you will hear examples of local organizations who have benefited from taking these steps. You will learn how you can also take meaningful action even with tight budgets, busy schedules, and competing priorities. Let's kickstart the journey towards a healthier, more resilient workplace, together.

Learn about:

the importance of taking intentional steps to support the mental health of your workforce - and the costs of doing nothing;
simple steps any workplace leader can take, even those with competing priorities, to start or continue building a psychologically healthy work environment;
practical approaches in the areas of training, stigma reduction, strategy development, and communications; and
general tips informed by best practices and backed by experience to ensure your efforts are worthwhile, valuable, and effective.

Upcoming Training Courses

Mental Health First Aid

Canadian Mental Health Association, Thunder Bay is hosting Mental Health First Aid training workshops in 2024. For details, visit thunderbay.cmha.ca/events/mental-health-first-aid-training-dates-2024

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills (ASIST) Training

Canadian Mental Health Association, Thunder Bay is hosting ASIST training workshops in 2024. For details, visit thunderbay.cmha.ca/programs/applied-suicide-intervention-skills-training-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.

K. Hunter Workplace Consulting will host The Working Mind training workshops through 2024. This is an evidence-based program of the Mental Health Commission of Canada designed to educate participants about mental health and reduce stigma in the workplace around mental illness. Click the links for details and dates on the Employee version (5-hours) and the Manager version (7-hours).
Infrastructure Health & Safety Association is currently offering The Working Mind for Trades WORKER (virtually), FREE for a limited time for member firms. For details, visit IHSA.ca/Training/Courses/The-Working-Mind-For-The-Trades-Worker-(Virtual.aspx

Visit SuperiorMentalWellness@Work for more information.