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 stress. Show all posts
Showing posts with label stress. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Mental disorders account for more than half of hospital stays among the homeless in Canada
New CIHI report offers overview of links between mental health, mental illness and homelessness
August 30, 2007—Mental disorders accounted for 52% of acute care hospitalizations among the homeless in 2005–2006 (outside Quebec), according to a new report released today by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI). In addition, the report shows that 35% of visits to selected emergency departments (EDs)—mostly in Ontario—by homeless people were related to mental and behavioural disorders, a proportion that is higher than that for other patients (3%).
The Improving the Health of Canadians: Mental Health and Homelessness report provides an overview of the latest research, surveys and policy initiatives related to mental health and homelessness and, for the first time, presents data on hospital use by homeless Canadians.
“Mental illness affects a broad range of Canadians; most people with compromised mental health are not homeless, and many people who are homeless have never been diagnosed with a mental illness,” says Dr. Jennifer Zelmer, Vice President, Research and Analysis at CIHI. “However, studies show that people who are homeless are more likely to suffer from a mental illness or compromised mental health than the general population.”
For example, the leading reasons for hospital use were different for homeless patients and others. Mental disorders were the most common diagnoses among homeless patients admitted to an acute care hospital in 2005–2006 (52% of admissions). The most frequent reasons for hospitalization among other patients were pregnancy and childbirth (13%). Likewise, 35% of visits by homeless persons to selected EDs (mostly in Ontario) were related to mental disorders; injury and poisonings were the most common reasons for ED visits among other patients (25%). Among ED patients recorded as homeless, the most common type of mental disorder was substance abuse, which accounted for 54% of visits (62% for homeless men and 30% for homeless women), followed by other psychotic disorders (20% of visits), such as schizophrenia.
Homelessness linked with stress, coping, low self-esteem, low levels of social support and suicide
The report notes many factors both at the individual and broader social level—such as housing, income and the ability to cope—that have been shown to contribute to the onset or duration of homelessness. Many of these same factors are also linked to compromised mental health.
“This report explores the complex relationship between mental health and homelessness,” says Dr. Elizabeth Votta, Program Lead at the Canadian Population Health Initiative, a program of CIHI. “People with severe mental illness may experience limited housing, employment and income options. On the other hand, people who are homeless tend to report higher stress, lower self-worth, less social support and different coping strategies, factors that are associated with depressive symptoms, substance abuse, suicidal behaviours and poor self-rated health.”
Research cited in the report indicates that the homeless often experience more difficulty coping with stress, experience lower self-esteem and have less social support than people who are not homeless. For example:
-A study in Ottawa revealed that homeless male youth reported stress levels more than twice as high as levels reported by a group of non-homeless youth.
-A study in Kitchener–Waterloo showed that street youth were more likely to engage in substance abuse and self-harm as a means of coping. Non-homeless youth were more likely to cope by talking to someone they trusted or through productive problem-solving.
-A national survey found that 2% of males and 6% of females aged 15 to 24 reported having attempted suicide in Canada. Studies report higher rates among homeless youth. For example, a 2006 British Columbia survey indicates that 15% of males and 30% of females who were street-involved and marginalized reported having attempted suicide at least once in the previous 12 months.
The report also cites many examples of research linking mental illness and homelessness. These studies, conducted across Canada with different methods and over different periods of time, tended to show higher levels of diagnosed mental illness among people who were homeless than among the population as a whole. Several studies also indicate that rates of substance abuse are higher among the homeless than among other Canadians. Research suggests that homeless individuals with both a substance abuse disorder and a mental illness diagnosis are likely to remain homeless longer than others.
Canadian Population Health Initiative
The Canadian Population Health Initiative (CPHI) is part of the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI). CPHI supports research to advance knowledge on the determinants of health in Canada and to develop policy options to improve population health and reduce health inequalities.
About CIHI
The Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) collects and analyzes information on health and health care in Canada and makes it publicly available. Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial governments created CIHI as a not-for-profit, independent organization dedicated to forging a common approach to Canadian health information. CIHI’s goal: to provide timely, accurate and comparable information. CIHI’s data and reports inform health policies, support the effective delivery of health services and raise awareness among Canadians of the factors that contribute to good health.
- 30 -
Media contacts:
Christina Lawand
613-241-7860 ext. 4310
Cell: 613-299-5695
clawand@cihi.ca
Leona Hollingsworth
613-241-7860 ext. 4140
Cell: 613-612-3914
lhollingsworth@cihi.ca
The report and the following figures and tables are available from CIHI’s website at www.cihi.ca.
Table 1. Top Five Reasons for Emergency Department Visits by the Homeless and Others, 2005–2006 (based on Table 4 in the report)
Table 2. Top Five Reasons for Inpatient Hospitalization Among the Homeless and Others, 2005–2006 (based on Table 5 in the report)
Table 3. Reported Mental Illness Among Canada’s Homeless in a Sample of Canadian Cities: Results From Selected Studies (based on Table 2 in the report)
August 30, 2007—Mental disorders accounted for 52% of acute care hospitalizations among the homeless in 2005–2006 (outside Quebec), according to a new report released today by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI). In addition, the report shows that 35% of visits to selected emergency departments (EDs)—mostly in Ontario—by homeless people were related to mental and behavioural disorders, a proportion that is higher than that for other patients (3%).
The Improving the Health of Canadians: Mental Health and Homelessness report provides an overview of the latest research, surveys and policy initiatives related to mental health and homelessness and, for the first time, presents data on hospital use by homeless Canadians.
“Mental illness affects a broad range of Canadians; most people with compromised mental health are not homeless, and many people who are homeless have never been diagnosed with a mental illness,” says Dr. Jennifer Zelmer, Vice President, Research and Analysis at CIHI. “However, studies show that people who are homeless are more likely to suffer from a mental illness or compromised mental health than the general population.”
For example, the leading reasons for hospital use were different for homeless patients and others. Mental disorders were the most common diagnoses among homeless patients admitted to an acute care hospital in 2005–2006 (52% of admissions). The most frequent reasons for hospitalization among other patients were pregnancy and childbirth (13%). Likewise, 35% of visits by homeless persons to selected EDs (mostly in Ontario) were related to mental disorders; injury and poisonings were the most common reasons for ED visits among other patients (25%). Among ED patients recorded as homeless, the most common type of mental disorder was substance abuse, which accounted for 54% of visits (62% for homeless men and 30% for homeless women), followed by other psychotic disorders (20% of visits), such as schizophrenia.
Homelessness linked with stress, coping, low self-esteem, low levels of social support and suicide
The report notes many factors both at the individual and broader social level—such as housing, income and the ability to cope—that have been shown to contribute to the onset or duration of homelessness. Many of these same factors are also linked to compromised mental health.
“This report explores the complex relationship between mental health and homelessness,” says Dr. Elizabeth Votta, Program Lead at the Canadian Population Health Initiative, a program of CIHI. “People with severe mental illness may experience limited housing, employment and income options. On the other hand, people who are homeless tend to report higher stress, lower self-worth, less social support and different coping strategies, factors that are associated with depressive symptoms, substance abuse, suicidal behaviours and poor self-rated health.”
Research cited in the report indicates that the homeless often experience more difficulty coping with stress, experience lower self-esteem and have less social support than people who are not homeless. For example:
-A study in Ottawa revealed that homeless male youth reported stress levels more than twice as high as levels reported by a group of non-homeless youth.
-A study in Kitchener–Waterloo showed that street youth were more likely to engage in substance abuse and self-harm as a means of coping. Non-homeless youth were more likely to cope by talking to someone they trusted or through productive problem-solving.
-A national survey found that 2% of males and 6% of females aged 15 to 24 reported having attempted suicide in Canada. Studies report higher rates among homeless youth. For example, a 2006 British Columbia survey indicates that 15% of males and 30% of females who were street-involved and marginalized reported having attempted suicide at least once in the previous 12 months.
The report also cites many examples of research linking mental illness and homelessness. These studies, conducted across Canada with different methods and over different periods of time, tended to show higher levels of diagnosed mental illness among people who were homeless than among the population as a whole. Several studies also indicate that rates of substance abuse are higher among the homeless than among other Canadians. Research suggests that homeless individuals with both a substance abuse disorder and a mental illness diagnosis are likely to remain homeless longer than others.
Canadian Population Health Initiative
The Canadian Population Health Initiative (CPHI) is part of the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI). CPHI supports research to advance knowledge on the determinants of health in Canada and to develop policy options to improve population health and reduce health inequalities.
About CIHI
The Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) collects and analyzes information on health and health care in Canada and makes it publicly available. Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial governments created CIHI as a not-for-profit, independent organization dedicated to forging a common approach to Canadian health information. CIHI’s goal: to provide timely, accurate and comparable information. CIHI’s data and reports inform health policies, support the effective delivery of health services and raise awareness among Canadians of the factors that contribute to good health.
- 30 -
Media contacts:
Christina Lawand
613-241-7860 ext. 4310
Cell: 613-299-5695
clawand@cihi.ca
Leona Hollingsworth
613-241-7860 ext. 4140
Cell: 613-612-3914
lhollingsworth@cihi.ca
The report and the following figures and tables are available from CIHI’s website at www.cihi.ca.
Table 1. Top Five Reasons for Emergency Department Visits by the Homeless and Others, 2005–2006 (based on Table 4 in the report)
Table 2. Top Five Reasons for Inpatient Hospitalization Among the Homeless and Others, 2005–2006 (based on Table 5 in the report)
Table 3. Reported Mental Illness Among Canada’s Homeless in a Sample of Canadian Cities: Results From Selected Studies (based on Table 2 in the report)
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Canada's public service is depressed
Number of depressed workers claiming disability doubles in a decade
Don Butler
The Ottawa Citizen
Depressed and anxious public servants comprise by far the largest group of federal employees on disability insurance. And their ranks have expanded rapidly since the early 1990s.
The information appears in a major federal study of public service compensation that calls for sweeping changes to benefit programs for government workers.
The study was posted without fanfare on Treasury Board's website last week.
According to the study, about 4.3 per cent of the federal government's 200,000 unionized workers -- nearly 8,500 in total -- were on disability in 2002.
Though that proportion hasn't changed markedly since the mid-1990s, the number of public servants citing disabling depression and anxiety nearly doubled to more than 44 per cent in 2002 from 23.7 in 1991.
That's far and away the largest trigger for disability claims by federal government workers. Cancer, at 14.2 per cent, is next.
The government's 40,000 or so managers and non-unionized workers make proportionately fewer disability claims than their unionized colleagues. In 2002, just 2.8 per cent were collecting disability insurance. But fully 58 per cent of them cited "mental/nervous" afflictions in 2002, up from 44 per cent in 1992.
For the rest of this story see www.ottawacitizen.com.
*****
While I worked for the public service for only 2 years I knew a few people who took stress leave in my department. In fact, it was during my time in the public service that my own mental illness progressed rapidly. At the end of my stint in the public service I had what some would call a nervous breakdown.
Note that I am not suggesting that working for the public service caused me to become sick. It was a combination of many factors. However, I can say with certainty that one department in which I worked was not conducive to good mental health. At the time, it wasn't a good fit for me. Nonetheless, I managed to produce excellent work during my time there and I received positive reviews by my supervisors.
For the most part, I enjoyed my work experience. I learned tons and was paid well considering I started as a student. I also met some great people who are still friends today. There were just certain frustrations with working for the public services that I have not experienced with the same severity elsewhere.
Out of respect for my former colleagues and government employer I would rather not go into detail about the negatives here. If you have questions, please email me.
Don Butler
The Ottawa Citizen
Depressed and anxious public servants comprise by far the largest group of federal employees on disability insurance. And their ranks have expanded rapidly since the early 1990s.
The information appears in a major federal study of public service compensation that calls for sweeping changes to benefit programs for government workers.
The study was posted without fanfare on Treasury Board's website last week.
According to the study, about 4.3 per cent of the federal government's 200,000 unionized workers -- nearly 8,500 in total -- were on disability in 2002.
Though that proportion hasn't changed markedly since the mid-1990s, the number of public servants citing disabling depression and anxiety nearly doubled to more than 44 per cent in 2002 from 23.7 in 1991.
That's far and away the largest trigger for disability claims by federal government workers. Cancer, at 14.2 per cent, is next.
The government's 40,000 or so managers and non-unionized workers make proportionately fewer disability claims than their unionized colleagues. In 2002, just 2.8 per cent were collecting disability insurance. But fully 58 per cent of them cited "mental/nervous" afflictions in 2002, up from 44 per cent in 1992.
For the rest of this story see www.ottawacitizen.com.
*****
While I worked for the public service for only 2 years I knew a few people who took stress leave in my department. In fact, it was during my time in the public service that my own mental illness progressed rapidly. At the end of my stint in the public service I had what some would call a nervous breakdown.
Note that I am not suggesting that working for the public service caused me to become sick. It was a combination of many factors. However, I can say with certainty that one department in which I worked was not conducive to good mental health. At the time, it wasn't a good fit for me. Nonetheless, I managed to produce excellent work during my time there and I received positive reviews by my supervisors.
For the most part, I enjoyed my work experience. I learned tons and was paid well considering I started as a student. I also met some great people who are still friends today. There were just certain frustrations with working for the public services that I have not experienced with the same severity elsewhere.
Out of respect for my former colleagues and government employer I would rather not go into detail about the negatives here. If you have questions, please email me.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Time for renewal
No matter how much I prepare for moving, it still becomes a stressful event. To give you a sense of what I went through this weekend my movers were 6 hours late and scratched up my dining room table. At least I HAD movers as it would have taken a long time to do everything without them.
Now, to finish unpacking. This part is a mentally healthy event. Establishing order in my surroundings is something others with anxiety disorders can relate to, I'm sure.
Now, to finish unpacking. This part is a mentally healthy event. Establishing order in my surroundings is something others with anxiety disorders can relate to, I'm sure.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Moving, Part 2
I have not forgotten about my loyal readers! Things have been very busy. My partner and I are moving again. Yes, it was only last November that I wrote about the stress of moving. While we are much more prepared this time, I'm still a little anxious - hoping everything goes smoothly.
We will be moving within Ottawa and this time around we bought a house, a townhome, actually. We hadn't planned on moving so soon. However, our landlady would like to occupy her home - something we could never have planned for.
While I work on the move, I'll leave you with some reading during my short absence.
Interesting stories to check out:
-54 million people suffer from mental illness (United Nations)
-scientific breakthrough with stem cells provides hope for better treatment of Alzheimer's and diabetes
-gene discovery to aid in the development of new treatments for bipolar disorder, Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, high blood pressure and Crohn's disease.
-Systems Enhancement Evaluation Initiative (SEEI) suggests that the new money invested in Ontario's mental health since 2004 is making an impact.
-Regina, Saskatchewan struggling to hire more mental health professionals; rates of mental illness much higher among low-income population - study's results reflect the incidence of mental illness in the poor around the world
We will be moving within Ottawa and this time around we bought a house, a townhome, actually. We hadn't planned on moving so soon. However, our landlady would like to occupy her home - something we could never have planned for.
While I work on the move, I'll leave you with some reading during my short absence.
Interesting stories to check out:
-54 million people suffer from mental illness (United Nations)
-scientific breakthrough with stem cells provides hope for better treatment of Alzheimer's and diabetes
-gene discovery to aid in the development of new treatments for bipolar disorder, Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, high blood pressure and Crohn's disease.
-Systems Enhancement Evaluation Initiative (SEEI) suggests that the new money invested in Ontario's mental health since 2004 is making an impact.
-Regina, Saskatchewan struggling to hire more mental health professionals; rates of mental illness much higher among low-income population - study's results reflect the incidence of mental illness in the poor around the world
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Life after death: coping with bereavement
(article from the Public Health Agency of Canada)
When someone close to us dies, it can sometimes feel as if we'll never get over the loss. As much as death is a part of life for everyone, it is also one of the most difficult things to cope with. But getting through grief and being able to move on with life is essential to our mental health and well-being. Fortunately, there are reasonably predictable stages of grief.
An important thing to understand is that it is necessary to grieve a loss. It's tempting to try to find ways to step around grief, but the reality is you only get to the other side of grief by walking right through the middle of it.
The three stages of grieving
"You only get to the other side of grief by walking right through the middle of it."
Even though grief is a process everyone goes through, no two people go through it exactly the same way. The way you show grief may depend on your culture, and how much grief you feel can depend on your relationship with the person who died.
Children show and feel grief differently than adults do and they may also need help to understand death. Losing a spouse can involve many practical as well as emotional upheavals. Despite the diversity of how people experience grief, there are three basic stages of grieving, according to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), though you may go back and forth between them for a long time:
1. Shock
Some people will say they didn't even cry when someone they loved died. In fact, they might not have cried for days or weeks after. Shock and numbness are the typical immediate responses to the death of a loved one—even when the death was prepared for (because in reality, nothing can ever completely prepare you for the death of someone close to you). People who have been through this stage describe it as going through the motions, and it's a protective stage that helps a mourner get through the intensity and the busyness of the early post-death days. The numbness can last for weeks or even months.
2. Disorganization
After the numbness comes the emotion, and it can come in many shapes and forms: exhaustion, anxiety, sadness and weepiness, moodiness, depression, loss of control, feeling withdrawn. This can, and should be a time of coming to terms not only with the loss but also with the relationship you had with the person. This can be especially difficult if there were problems that had not been resolved before the death. You may experience some of these feelings for many months, and sometimes even for years.
3. Reorganization
The loss of someone you love is not something you ever get over entirely. But eventually, there will come a day when you do recognize yourself again—when you are out with friends and realize you've had a wonderful time, or when you notice that you are appreciating day-to-day activities again.
Illustration of a journal and pen
How to help yourself
There are some ways that you can support yourself during the process of grieving:
* Take care of your health. The stress response of losing someone you love may have an impact on your immune system. Make sure to eat well, keep up with regular exercise and get plenty of sleep.
* Don't be afraid to express how you feel by talking, crying, writing. Expressing feelings helps healing.
* Reach out to family and friends. Help others understand what you need.
* Avoid making major changes, at least for the first several months.
* Be patient with yourself and with the process. It takes time but life will get better.
If you feel you need more assistance, speak with your family doctor or other health professional. You can also contact the Canadian Mental Health Association location near you.
Grieving is natural and normal. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
Date published: March 1, 2007
BulletThis article was prepared by Toronto journalist Nora Underwood and reviewed by The Canadian Mental Health Association, the Canadian Health Network Mental Health Affiliate.
When someone close to us dies, it can sometimes feel as if we'll never get over the loss. As much as death is a part of life for everyone, it is also one of the most difficult things to cope with. But getting through grief and being able to move on with life is essential to our mental health and well-being. Fortunately, there are reasonably predictable stages of grief.
An important thing to understand is that it is necessary to grieve a loss. It's tempting to try to find ways to step around grief, but the reality is you only get to the other side of grief by walking right through the middle of it.
The three stages of grieving
"You only get to the other side of grief by walking right through the middle of it."
Even though grief is a process everyone goes through, no two people go through it exactly the same way. The way you show grief may depend on your culture, and how much grief you feel can depend on your relationship with the person who died.
Children show and feel grief differently than adults do and they may also need help to understand death. Losing a spouse can involve many practical as well as emotional upheavals. Despite the diversity of how people experience grief, there are three basic stages of grieving, according to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), though you may go back and forth between them for a long time:
1. Shock
Some people will say they didn't even cry when someone they loved died. In fact, they might not have cried for days or weeks after. Shock and numbness are the typical immediate responses to the death of a loved one—even when the death was prepared for (because in reality, nothing can ever completely prepare you for the death of someone close to you). People who have been through this stage describe it as going through the motions, and it's a protective stage that helps a mourner get through the intensity and the busyness of the early post-death days. The numbness can last for weeks or even months.
2. Disorganization
After the numbness comes the emotion, and it can come in many shapes and forms: exhaustion, anxiety, sadness and weepiness, moodiness, depression, loss of control, feeling withdrawn. This can, and should be a time of coming to terms not only with the loss but also with the relationship you had with the person. This can be especially difficult if there were problems that had not been resolved before the death. You may experience some of these feelings for many months, and sometimes even for years.
3. Reorganization
The loss of someone you love is not something you ever get over entirely. But eventually, there will come a day when you do recognize yourself again—when you are out with friends and realize you've had a wonderful time, or when you notice that you are appreciating day-to-day activities again.
Illustration of a journal and pen
How to help yourself
There are some ways that you can support yourself during the process of grieving:
* Take care of your health. The stress response of losing someone you love may have an impact on your immune system. Make sure to eat well, keep up with regular exercise and get plenty of sleep.
* Don't be afraid to express how you feel by talking, crying, writing. Expressing feelings helps healing.
* Reach out to family and friends. Help others understand what you need.
* Avoid making major changes, at least for the first several months.
* Be patient with yourself and with the process. It takes time but life will get better.
If you feel you need more assistance, speak with your family doctor or other health professional. You can also contact the Canadian Mental Health Association location near you.
Grieving is natural and normal. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
Date published: March 1, 2007
BulletThis article was prepared by Toronto journalist Nora Underwood and reviewed by The Canadian Mental Health Association, the Canadian Health Network Mental Health Affiliate.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
News: One million adults depressed, 70% employed
Excerpt from CharityVillage.com
A study by Statistics Canada examined stress levels among the employed population, aged 18 to 75, and found that depression stands out as a major occupational health issue. Just over one million adults had experienced a major depressive episode in the year before the survey interview. Of these people, 7 in 10 were employed during that year. For workers of both sexes, high stress on and off the job was associated with depression. However, the mental health of male workers was more vulnerable to stress arising from the work environment. Men in high strain jobs were 2.5 times more likely than their counterparts in low strain jobs to have experienced depression; women were 1.6 times more likely. Male and female workers who considered most days to be quite a bit or extremely stressful were over three times as likely to have suffered a major depressive episode, compared with those who reported low levels of general stress. -- Report can be found at Statistics Canada
A study by Statistics Canada examined stress levels among the employed population, aged 18 to 75, and found that depression stands out as a major occupational health issue. Just over one million adults had experienced a major depressive episode in the year before the survey interview. Of these people, 7 in 10 were employed during that year. For workers of both sexes, high stress on and off the job was associated with depression. However, the mental health of male workers was more vulnerable to stress arising from the work environment. Men in high strain jobs were 2.5 times more likely than their counterparts in low strain jobs to have experienced depression; women were 1.6 times more likely. Male and female workers who considered most days to be quite a bit or extremely stressful were over three times as likely to have suffered a major depressive episode, compared with those who reported low levels of general stress. -- Report can be found at Statistics Canada
Friday, December 22, 2006
When shopping is stressful
Christmas holidays can be stressful! Whether you are hosting an event or traveling to one, there are so many things you need to think about. One of them is buying gifts. I find one of the most stressful events at this time of year is going to the shopping malls.
I have decided this year to avoid shopping malls as much as possible. The buildings are crowded and everyone seems rushed. It's not the type of atmosphere that gets me in the holiday mood.
I am not pessimistic, really. I just think that my mental health (and perhaps my wallet too) would benefit from removing myself from that environment. There are lots of great independent stores that I like to go to. I find I often receive better service from them, too.
We try to save ourselves money and find convenience in shopping at big-box stores and shopping malls when really they can be just plain stressful. It's quite the paradox.
Some of you are laughing right now because you either 1) did your shopping in August; or 2) did your shopping online. For those of you who haven't finished yours, if you want to avoid the mall, try some of your local family-run shops. You may be pleasantly surprised.
Please feel free to share your shopping experiences here. Do you prefer the mall? If you have problems shopping at this time of the year what do you do?
I have decided this year to avoid shopping malls as much as possible. The buildings are crowded and everyone seems rushed. It's not the type of atmosphere that gets me in the holiday mood.
I am not pessimistic, really. I just think that my mental health (and perhaps my wallet too) would benefit from removing myself from that environment. There are lots of great independent stores that I like to go to. I find I often receive better service from them, too.
We try to save ourselves money and find convenience in shopping at big-box stores and shopping malls when really they can be just plain stressful. It's quite the paradox.
Some of you are laughing right now because you either 1) did your shopping in August; or 2) did your shopping online. For those of you who haven't finished yours, if you want to avoid the mall, try some of your local family-run shops. You may be pleasantly surprised.
Please feel free to share your shopping experiences here. Do you prefer the mall? If you have problems shopping at this time of the year what do you do?
Sunday, November 26, 2006
The stress of moving
I apologize for the past week’s hiatus. I’ve recently moved with my partner Julian. While the new digs and living arrangement are great I have been overwhelmed with the amount of work there is to do. It feels like a never-ending list. Boxes upon boxes – most put away now – but some are still in the hallway to serve as a reminder to empty them. It’s not laziness by any means. There are simply a million and one things to do and the miscellany-filled boxes in the hallway are not at the top of my list (although Julian might have a different viewpoint!). Luckily, I’ve had the help of friends and family to facilitate the process.
Although moving is considered by most people to be a stressful life event there are things you can do to decrease your stress level before and during your move. I would like to share with you what I have learned (some of it the hard way).
Prior to your move, do as much preparation as possible. Some sites provide helpful moving lists. Canada Post has one I like.
During moving day make sure you’re up early and well-fed. Moving is a lot of work, even if you do have hired help. Once you’ve moved everything that day you need relax in the evening. Congratulate yourself with some wine and a hot bath (since your muscles will surely ache the next day).
After moving day is over there is a still lot to do: unpacking, painting, furniture arranging, picture hanging, etc. The most important thing I’ve learned is to set realistic daily goals, i.e. put clothes away and stock kitchen cupboards, as opposed to “finish bedroom and kitchen”. If you try to do the latter, you won’t get very far, trust me.
The most important thing to remember throughout the entire process is to enjoy your new home and living arrangements (new roommates perhaps). Schedule in some time each day for a break and reward yourself for work completed.
If you have some interesting moving stories to share or tips on managing the stress of a move, please post your comments.
Although moving is considered by most people to be a stressful life event there are things you can do to decrease your stress level before and during your move. I would like to share with you what I have learned (some of it the hard way).
Prior to your move, do as much preparation as possible. Some sites provide helpful moving lists. Canada Post has one I like.
During moving day make sure you’re up early and well-fed. Moving is a lot of work, even if you do have hired help. Once you’ve moved everything that day you need relax in the evening. Congratulate yourself with some wine and a hot bath (since your muscles will surely ache the next day).
After moving day is over there is a still lot to do: unpacking, painting, furniture arranging, picture hanging, etc. The most important thing I’ve learned is to set realistic daily goals, i.e. put clothes away and stock kitchen cupboards, as opposed to “finish bedroom and kitchen”. If you try to do the latter, you won’t get very far, trust me.
The most important thing to remember throughout the entire process is to enjoy your new home and living arrangements (new roommates perhaps). Schedule in some time each day for a break and reward yourself for work completed.
If you have some interesting moving stories to share or tips on managing the stress of a move, please post your comments.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
