Recognizing Mental Health Week During the COVID-19 Pandemic

May 05, 2020

Enhanced mental health support a priority as current working conditions bring increased levels of stress and anxiety

The Canadian Mental Health Association has announced May 4 - 10 as Mental Health Week, a time for all Canadians to learn more and talk about what mental health really is. There's no question the COVID-19 pandemic is taking an emotional toll on the health and wellbeing of people across the world. However, for those working on the frontlines during this public health crisis, managing the psychological strain that comes with COVID-19 is as much a heath concern as the virus itself.

To acknowledge this week, BCNU is committed to ensuring resources and services are available to any member who is experiencing increased stress and anxiety as they navigate through this unprecedented time.

A psychologically healthy workplace is one of BCNU's highest priorities, and the union is proud to have been the first in Canada to successfully negotiate the National Standard on Psychological Health and Safety into a collective agreement. For information on the services BCNU provides on a range of psychological health and safety topics, click here.

The BC division of the Canadian Mental Health Association has expanded its online resources to include information to improve psychological and social supports and provide strategies to help frontline workers. Full details here.

The federal government is also recognizing the impact COVID-19 is having on Canadians' mental health. It recently announced new virtual care and mental health tools and an investment of over $240 million towards Wellness Together Canada, an online portal that provides people with free resources, tools and professional support services to help with wellness and resilience. You can find out more here.

BCNU reminds all members to reach out to their regional OHS representative or full-time steward if they have any questions or concerns about mental health in their workplace and to file a claim with WorkSafe BC should they suffer a work-related mental health injury/illness.

Members with questions about filing a claim should contact an OHS officer by calling BCNU's health and safety phone line at 604-433-2268, and press 1. The phone line is staffed 24 hours per day, seven days per week to help members with health and safety concerns in the workplace.