World Mental Health Day – Mental Health at Work

October 9 2024

This World Mental Health Day (WMHD), held on October 10, 2024, the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), again, calls on all levels of government to act to respond to the mental health crisis in this country. The mental health needs of Canadians continue to grow while the available resources remain inadequate. There is also a further need for workplace mental health resources as workers are facing unprecedented challenges related to short staffing and increased workplace pressure.

2024 World Mental Health Day Focus

The 2024 World Mental Health Day focuses on Mental Health at Work. The key points being promoted by the WHO are

  • A healthy work environment protects mental health, while poor conditions increase risks like stress and discrimination.
  • Workplaces should address mental health risks and provide support for employees, with collaboration between governments, employers, and worker representatives.
  • Addressing stigma, promoting inclusivity, and training managers to recognize mental health issues are vital steps.
  • Global action is needed to ensure all workers can thrive mentally and professionally.

The campaign emphasizes the importance of supportive, healthy work environments and identifies risks like stigma and discrimination. The campaign calls for collaboration between governments, employers, and workers to prioritize mental well-being. Employers are encouraged to create inclusive policies and offer accommodations to employees with mental health challenges. Mental health affects job performance and life satisfaction, making it essential to protect it in the workplace. NUPGE is calling for employers and governments to take up the challenge to address these issues.

Mental health care is health care

The health care crisis is increasingly turning into a mental health care crisis. NUPGE would like to highlight the ongoing mental health crisis among health care workers. NUPGE is proud to represent close to 180,000 health care workers among the 425,000 total members in the union. These frontline workers are at risk of high levels of burnout and stress which is why NUPGE is calling for immediate action in health care to deal with their concerns and for a pan-Canadian health human resources strategy to address the chronic shortages of workers.

Resources to assist

While the call for action is longstanding and calls for government and employer action, we recognise that people are currently in crisis.

Need help?

If this is an urgent situation, call 9-1-1. if you or someone you know is not able to stay safe, seek help right away.

Call the 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline if you have mental health concerns including thoughts of suicide

Call 310-Mental Health, (310-6789), no area code needed) for support, information and resources specific to mental health.

Here are additional links to resources on a range of mental health issues from the Mental Health Commission of Canada.