New mental health survey sheds more light on impact of depression in the workplace
TORONTO, Nov. 19, 2007 /CNW/ - The Great-West Life Centre for Mental
Health in the Workplace (the Centre) today announced the release of a new
survey on the impact of depression in the workplace. The survey, commissioned
by the Centre and conducted by Ipsos-Reid this fall in association with the
Global Business and Economic Roundtable on Addiction and Mental Health, asked
managers and employees about their personal experiences with depression.
The Great-West Life Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace represents
a long term, public service commitment. The Centre has two objectives: to
increase knowledge and awareness, and to turn knowledge into action - to help
employers, managers and employees prevent and reduce the impacts of mental
health issues in the workplace.
"This study sheds additional light on the issue of depression in the
workplace and provides us with some revealing data on how managers and
employees view this serious issue," said Mike Schwartz, Executive Director of
the Centre. "This is the first research project to be commissioned by the
Centre, and consistent with our public service objective, we are pleased to
make the results available to the public and to the Mental Health Commission
of Canada."
The survey revealed that:
- 19% of Canadian workers missed three or more work days due to
depression, stress or anxiety in the last 12 months
- 64% of employees who had been diagnosed as clinically depressed or
believed that they suffered from depression felt that a specific
event in their life triggered the depression
- Only 18% of Canadian managers said they had received training to help
them identify and deal with employees who exhibit signs of depression
Schwartz encouraged Canadian employers, managers and employees to take
time to read and understand the survey, and to become engaged in the issue of
mental health.
"The issue of mental health is complex and touches many lives," said
Schwartz. "By becoming informed and engaged, Canadian employers, managers and
employees can take steps today to better address workplace mental health
issues."
About the Great-West Life Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace
Established in June 2007, the Great-West Life Centre for Mental Health in
the Workplace brings a unique focus to an important issue for Canadian
employers, managers, and employees. Focused specifically on the workplace, the
Centre is working to increase awareness and understanding and to help
employers take concrete steps to prevent and reduce employee mental health
issues. The Centre is a long-term, public service commitment to this very
important social and economic issue.
Results of the Ipsos-Reid survey will be available shortly on the
Centre's website at www.greatwestlife.com/centreformentalhealth.
About Great-West Life
Founded in Winnipeg in 1891, The Great-West Life Assurance Company has
long been a leader in the group benefits marketplace. Great-West Life is a
member of the Power Financial Corporation group of companies.
For further information: Marlene Klassen, APR, Assistant Vice-President,
Communications Services, (204) 946-7705
Showing posts with label campaigns. Show all posts
Showing posts with label campaigns. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Mental Illness Awareness Week 2007
Dear readers,
I'd like to reach out and say I'm thinking about those of you who are currently experiencing mental illness and those who have lost someone to suicide. Whether or not we know each other, I'm listening.
~Let there be light~
Jennifer
Faces of Mental Illness Awareness Week 2007
Meet this year's Faces
My story from MIAW 2006
About Mental Illness Awareness Week
Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) is an annual national public education campaign designed to help open the eyes of Canadians to the reality of mental illness. The week was established in 1992 by the Canadian Psychiatric Association, and is now coordinated by the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) in cooperation with all its member organizations and many other supporters across Canada.
Campaign elements include: a grassroots public education initiative; a nationally-distributed poster and bookmark series; the 5th Annual Champions of Mental Health Awards luncheon in Ottawa and an education initiative with federal Members of Parliament, both in their home ridings and on Parliament Hill.
I'd like to reach out and say I'm thinking about those of you who are currently experiencing mental illness and those who have lost someone to suicide. Whether or not we know each other, I'm listening.
~Let there be light~
Jennifer
Faces of Mental Illness Awareness Week 2007
Meet this year's Faces
My story from MIAW 2006
About Mental Illness Awareness Week
Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) is an annual national public education campaign designed to help open the eyes of Canadians to the reality of mental illness. The week was established in 1992 by the Canadian Psychiatric Association, and is now coordinated by the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) in cooperation with all its member organizations and many other supporters across Canada.
Campaign elements include: a grassroots public education initiative; a nationally-distributed poster and bookmark series; the 5th Annual Champions of Mental Health Awards luncheon in Ottawa and an education initiative with federal Members of Parliament, both in their home ridings and on Parliament Hill.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Well done Nova Scotia!
The province of Nova Scotia is promoting a "culture of moderation" around alcohol use...
Ottawa, August 31, 2007 - The Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA), a national organization working to reduce alcohol- and drug-related harm, welcomes Nova Scotia's new alcohol strategy, Changing the Culture of Alcohol Use in Nova Scotia, and is particularly pleased that the provincial strategy embraces a "culture of moderation" as outlined in recent recommendations for a National Alcohol Strategy.
An expert working group, co-chaired by CCSA, the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission and Health Canada, was created to develop consensus on recommendations for a National Alcohol Strategy. The multi-sectoral working group had representatives from government, non-governmental organizations, industry and regulatory bodies, and the research community. Nova Scotia is the first province to interpret the recommendations for a National Alcohol Strategy at the provincial level.
"We are very pleased to see Nova Scotia's commitment to and investment in reducing alcohol-related harm and we celebrate their efforts to proactively address problematic alcohol use," said CCSA's Chief Executive Officer, Michel Perron.
Both the provincial and national strategic approaches focus on alcohol from a public health perspective and underline alcohol's significant role in contributing to health and social harms in Canada. The national report, Reducing Alcohol-Related Harm in Canada: Toward a Culture of Moderation- Recommendations for a National Alcohol Strategy addresses four key strategic action areas: health promotion, prevention and education; health impacts and treatment; availability of alcohol; and safer communities.
"The development of recommendations for a National Alcohol Strategy was the result of a collaborative and dedicated approach by a diverse group of stakeholders and we must build on that success by ensuring a strong, complementary and applied execution of the Strategy," said Mr. Perron. "As co-chair, CCSA has taken an active role in promoting and monitoring the implementation of this national initiative and has identified several recommendations that will be a priority in the coming months, including enhanced efforts to transfer knowledge around prevention, treatment and population health policies and programs."
To access the national report, please visit the CCSA website at or the website for the National Framework for Action to Reduce the Harms Associated with Alcohol and Other Drugs and Substances in Canada.
For More Information Contact :
Brooke Bryce
Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA)
(613) 235-4048 ext. 243
bbryce@ccsa.ca
Ottawa, August 31, 2007 - The Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA), a national organization working to reduce alcohol- and drug-related harm, welcomes Nova Scotia's new alcohol strategy, Changing the Culture of Alcohol Use in Nova Scotia, and is particularly pleased that the provincial strategy embraces a "culture of moderation" as outlined in recent recommendations for a National Alcohol Strategy.
An expert working group, co-chaired by CCSA, the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission and Health Canada, was created to develop consensus on recommendations for a National Alcohol Strategy. The multi-sectoral working group had representatives from government, non-governmental organizations, industry and regulatory bodies, and the research community. Nova Scotia is the first province to interpret the recommendations for a National Alcohol Strategy at the provincial level.
"We are very pleased to see Nova Scotia's commitment to and investment in reducing alcohol-related harm and we celebrate their efforts to proactively address problematic alcohol use," said CCSA's Chief Executive Officer, Michel Perron.
Both the provincial and national strategic approaches focus on alcohol from a public health perspective and underline alcohol's significant role in contributing to health and social harms in Canada. The national report, Reducing Alcohol-Related Harm in Canada: Toward a Culture of Moderation- Recommendations for a National Alcohol Strategy addresses four key strategic action areas: health promotion, prevention and education; health impacts and treatment; availability of alcohol; and safer communities.
"The development of recommendations for a National Alcohol Strategy was the result of a collaborative and dedicated approach by a diverse group of stakeholders and we must build on that success by ensuring a strong, complementary and applied execution of the Strategy," said Mr. Perron. "As co-chair, CCSA has taken an active role in promoting and monitoring the implementation of this national initiative and has identified several recommendations that will be a priority in the coming months, including enhanced efforts to transfer knowledge around prevention, treatment and population health policies and programs."
To access the national report, please visit the CCSA website at or the website for the National Framework for Action to Reduce the Harms Associated with Alcohol and Other Drugs and Substances in Canada.
For More Information Contact :
Brooke Bryce
Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA)
(613) 235-4048 ext. 243
bbryce@ccsa.ca
Monday, July 16, 2007
Mental Health Commission of Canada
Monday, June 25, 2007
Mental Health Literacy
The Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) is in the midst of developing a national strategy on improving mental health literacy in Canada. They are surveying as many Canadians as possible.
Mental health literacy is defined as the knowledge, beliefs and abilities that enable the recognition, management or prevention of mental health problems. CAMIMH's investigations thus far indicate that enhanced mental health literacy appears to confer a range of benefits: prevention, early recognition and intervention, and reduction of stigma associated with mental illness.
If you are interested in becoming involved in this initiative you are requested to fill out the following survey. All submissions will be treated as confidential.
Ce questionnaire est aussi disponible en français.
L’Alliance canadienne pour la maladie mentale et la santé mentale (ACMMSM) est au cœur du développement d’une stratégie nationale pour améliorer l’alphabétisme en matière de santé mentale au Canada. Par conséquent, ils enquêtient autant de Canadiens que possible. L’alphabétisme en matière de santé mentale est défini comme étant les connaissances, les croyances et les aptitudes qui facilitent la détection, la gestion ou la prévention des problèmes de santé mentale. Jusqu’à maintenant, les investigations de l’ACMMSM indiquent que l’alphabétisme en matière de santé mentale semble conférer une variété d’avantages : La prévention, la détection précoce et l’intervention, et la réduction du stigmate associé avec la maladie mentale.
Si vous êtes intéressé à vous engager dans cette initiative, nous vous demandons de remplir le sondage suivant. Toutes les soumissions seront traitées dans la plus stricte confidentialité.
Mental health literacy is defined as the knowledge, beliefs and abilities that enable the recognition, management or prevention of mental health problems. CAMIMH's investigations thus far indicate that enhanced mental health literacy appears to confer a range of benefits: prevention, early recognition and intervention, and reduction of stigma associated with mental illness.
If you are interested in becoming involved in this initiative you are requested to fill out the following survey. All submissions will be treated as confidential.
Ce questionnaire est aussi disponible en français.
L’Alliance canadienne pour la maladie mentale et la santé mentale (ACMMSM) est au cœur du développement d’une stratégie nationale pour améliorer l’alphabétisme en matière de santé mentale au Canada. Par conséquent, ils enquêtient autant de Canadiens que possible. L’alphabétisme en matière de santé mentale est défini comme étant les connaissances, les croyances et les aptitudes qui facilitent la détection, la gestion ou la prévention des problèmes de santé mentale. Jusqu’à maintenant, les investigations de l’ACMMSM indiquent que l’alphabétisme en matière de santé mentale semble conférer une variété d’avantages : La prévention, la détection précoce et l’intervention, et la réduction du stigmate associé avec la maladie mentale.
Si vous êtes intéressé à vous engager dans cette initiative, nous vous demandons de remplir le sondage suivant. Toutes les soumissions seront traitées dans la plus stricte confidentialité.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Only 3 days left
It's Children's Mental Health Week.
If you haven't yet signed the petition, now is the time. With only 3 days left, this week-long campaign needs just a few more signatures. It has, thus far, reached 75% of its goal.
Support children's mental health now!
* Log on to the secure website then click on SIGN OUR PETITION
If you haven't yet signed the petition, now is the time. With only 3 days left, this week-long campaign needs just a few more signatures. It has, thus far, reached 75% of its goal.
Support children's mental health now!
* Log on to the secure website then click on SIGN OUR PETITION
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
MIAW News / Nouvelles SSMM
The 2006 “Faces” Campaign – Call for Nominations
Once again, we are calling on members of the CAMIMH network to assist us in finding the ‘Faces’ for MIAW 2007. If you know someone who is living successfully with mental illness and who is willing to share their story to inspire others, please nominate them.
To request a nomination package, please send us an email.
La campagne «Visages» 2007 – Demande de candidatures
Une fois de plus, nous faisons appel aux membres du réseau de l’ACMMSM pour nous aider à trouver les «Visages» de la SSMM 2007. Si vous connaissez quelqu’un qui réussit à bien vivre avec la maladie mentale et qui consentirait à partager son histoire pour inspirer d’autres personnes, veuillez proposer sa candidature.
Pour obtenir une trousse de mise en candidature, veuillez nous envoyer un courriel.
--------------------------------------------------------------
I participated in the 2006 campaign. You can visit my profile here.
Monday, March 05, 2007
Ontario's Health Plan: join the conversation
"Make a difference in the future of health care. Have your say."
How can the Ontario government improve health care for its citizens? What's important to you? Make your voice heard.
The provincial government is in the midst of a campaign to get answers from you. Hey, it's your tax money so make sure it goes where you want it to! The campaign's site provides a form to submit suggestions for improving Ontario's health care system. The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care will also be holding public consultations throughout the province.
I will be attending the Ottawa session on Wednesday, March 7th and I will be advocating for the improvement of mental health services and increased funding. You may register online to attend (for free, but space is limited). There are also sessions being held this week in Kitchener, Oakville, Toronto, and Sault Ste. Marie.
How can the Ontario government improve health care for its citizens? What's important to you? Make your voice heard.
The provincial government is in the midst of a campaign to get answers from you. Hey, it's your tax money so make sure it goes where you want it to! The campaign's site provides a form to submit suggestions for improving Ontario's health care system. The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care will also be holding public consultations throughout the province.
I will be attending the Ottawa session on Wednesday, March 7th and I will be advocating for the improvement of mental health services and increased funding. You may register online to attend (for free, but space is limited). There are also sessions being held this week in Kitchener, Oakville, Toronto, and Sault Ste. Marie.
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Guest Blog: Hopeful Aspirations by Tara Timmers
The journey to recovery has been Full, full of learning’s, expression and love. As I gathered my self esteem and pride in who I am I evolved from a creature with potential to suffer to an outstanding contributor to the mental health community. My message is filled with Hope for the future, my future and yours.
As a participant in mental health services, I have truly found myself and become what I aspire to be: compassionate, healthy, caring and giving. I have attained a lifestyle that enables me to help others and grow into my rightful stance. Through acceptance of my illness and gaining an insightful repertoire of knowledge I am more able to see the light of day, metaphorically speaking, and gather a will for peaceful interludes and personal reflection.
In the past five years, I have gone to school and graduated from Business Administration with 97% honours - demonstrating that mental illness will not hinder intelligent dialogue or being able to be fully present in the learning community. At school, I applied myself diligently and I take pride in my scholastic achievements. I have always been a knowledge-seeker, looking for groups/workshops/psychotherapy and any bits of help which could give me the skills to heal/cope with my illness. I do take medication and with it I can see such an outstanding difference in my personality and life choices from the stability it offers me.
There are so many opportunities out in the world and as a Consumer or Active Voice I have the right to become involved to speak my mind and to overcome stigma by challenging the illusional status quo. I am open about my illness and have met amazing people who are supportive and life affirming who want to hear what I have to say and this, to me, is progress.
This year I was a part of the FACES Campaign for Mental Illness Awareness Week and flew to Ottawa to represent Victoria, BC and all of us who live with mental illness. The experience was both exciting and challenging. However, it inspired me further to motivate others to come forward, get help and reduce society’s stigma toward mental illness.
Hope is the guideline for success, and recovery is expected. Starting now, let’s pave the way for all those with mental illness to be able to be full in their lives, healthy and cared for. We need to support one another toward our highest potential, offering our hands extended as each one of us moves forward into the enriched lives we’ve always wanted to live.
As a Peer Support Worker not only have I learned skills to provide a service and be a role-model to others, I have used those skills to help myself. It is a most rewarding and honouring experience to give back. This type of work gives my life meaning and purpose and brings me immense joy. I also appreciate the opportunity to be valued by professionals. Wellness is attainable, suffering is avoidable and connection to each other is imperative!! I support the process of recovery and wish the best for those with mental illness, here’s to the journey ahead!
Take care,
Tara Timmers
(Tara lives with Schizophrenia)
As a participant in mental health services, I have truly found myself and become what I aspire to be: compassionate, healthy, caring and giving. I have attained a lifestyle that enables me to help others and grow into my rightful stance. Through acceptance of my illness and gaining an insightful repertoire of knowledge I am more able to see the light of day, metaphorically speaking, and gather a will for peaceful interludes and personal reflection.
In the past five years, I have gone to school and graduated from Business Administration with 97% honours - demonstrating that mental illness will not hinder intelligent dialogue or being able to be fully present in the learning community. At school, I applied myself diligently and I take pride in my scholastic achievements. I have always been a knowledge-seeker, looking for groups/workshops/psychotherapy and any bits of help which could give me the skills to heal/cope with my illness. I do take medication and with it I can see such an outstanding difference in my personality and life choices from the stability it offers me.
There are so many opportunities out in the world and as a Consumer or Active Voice I have the right to become involved to speak my mind and to overcome stigma by challenging the illusional status quo. I am open about my illness and have met amazing people who are supportive and life affirming who want to hear what I have to say and this, to me, is progress.
This year I was a part of the FACES Campaign for Mental Illness Awareness Week and flew to Ottawa to represent Victoria, BC and all of us who live with mental illness. The experience was both exciting and challenging. However, it inspired me further to motivate others to come forward, get help and reduce society’s stigma toward mental illness.
Hope is the guideline for success, and recovery is expected. Starting now, let’s pave the way for all those with mental illness to be able to be full in their lives, healthy and cared for. We need to support one another toward our highest potential, offering our hands extended as each one of us moves forward into the enriched lives we’ve always wanted to live.
As a Peer Support Worker not only have I learned skills to provide a service and be a role-model to others, I have used those skills to help myself. It is a most rewarding and honouring experience to give back. This type of work gives my life meaning and purpose and brings me immense joy. I also appreciate the opportunity to be valued by professionals. Wellness is attainable, suffering is avoidable and connection to each other is imperative!! I support the process of recovery and wish the best for those with mental illness, here’s to the journey ahead!
Take care,
Tara Timmers
(Tara lives with Schizophrenia)
Monday, October 30, 2006
The New Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre
Of note, the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre is the new home of the first teaching hospital and research institute in Canada to work in partnership with the private sector to provide the design, construction, financing, and maintenance of the new facility.
The gala event tonight featured impassioned speeches by Bruce Swan, CEO of the ROHCG, David Coffey, Chair of the Royal Ottawa Health Care Foundation, Dr. Zul Merali, President & CEO of IMHR, Minister John Baird of the Treasury Board, and Richard Patten, MPP for the riding of Ottawa-Centre, to name a few.
Equally as important, special recognition goes to the staff and volunteers that put this fabulous event together: Kathryn Hendricks and the communications team at ROHCG, Tulips and Maple Catering and the dozens of volunteers from Nepean High School.The ROHCG is running the campaign entitled "Open Minds Open Doors" in order to raise money for the new facility. Thus far, they have acquired close to half of the funding required. Therefore, your help is important in helping the ROHCG reach its goal. Given that mental illness affects 1 in 5 Canadians, your donation has the potential of helping hundreds of thousands of people in the National Capital Region in their recovery. So please donate generously!
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