HEALTH PROMOTION, RETURN TO WORK, DISABILITY, SICK LEAVE

At some point in our lives, mental illness may impact us through our own personal experience or through a family member, friend or colleague. Health Canada has estimated that 20 percent of the population will experience a mental illness, which can affect people in all occupations, socio-economic status, cultures, race and at all education levels.

The workplace environment may contribute positively to mental well-being.  However, at times, the workplace may also contribute to mental illness either as a direct source of stress, depression and anxiety, or by exacerbating issues that exist in other parts of one’s life.

If not well managed, workplace-related mental health issues can lead to increased rates or levels of illness, and may result in absenteeism, tension and conflicts between colleagues, deteriorating employee performance and reduced morale.

UNDERSTANDING MENTAL HEALTH 

Awareness, understanding and knowledge of mental health issues may help you move towards achieving health and a sense of emotional well-being. Listed below is information provided by Manulife’s mental health specialists and Homewood Health regarding symptoms and treatments for different mental health conditions.

• Anxiety
• Bipolar Disorder
• Depression
• Grief
• Substance use disorder

GETTING SUPPORT FOR MENTAL HEALTH  

For professional assistance to help you and your family members, you can use your benefits to access counselling in two ways by:

• Accessing SFU’s Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)  or
• Booking an appointment with a clinical counsellor in your area and using your extended health benefits to cover the cost of counselling sessions covered under your plan.

If you notice your colleague or staff member is in distress and may need support:

• Refer to this guide to familiarize yourself with common signs of distress and some ways you can offer support.
• For strategies to help you have a supportive conversation with a colleague or someone you care about on difficult topics like mental health, stress, addiction, or anger, visit the Supportive Conversation Library.

If you, or someone you know requires assistance and support with substance use issues:

• Call B.C. Alcohol and Drug Info and Referral Service at 1-800-663-1441 or 604-660-9382 to determine the appropriate substance use services right for you or the individual of concern. Multilingual telephone assistance is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 
• Visit BC.211 for supports and resources in your area including counselling, detoxification, and treatment. 

CONNECTING WITH TOOLS AND RESOURCES

OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES    

Life Lines Monthly Newsletter - Created and provided by Homewood Health

Health and Well-Being Disclaimer

The well-being information on this website is provided as information only and should not serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, or treatment from qualified physicians, mental health care providers, or other health care providers. Suggested links and resources are intended to educate, but not to replace SFU policies, procedures or advice from health professionals.