This article is written by Paula Vital, senior intergovernmental affairs specialist at Ontario’s cabinet office and OPS culture of care and compassion working group member

One in four people in the world will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives. Around 450 million people currently suffer from such conditions, placing mental disorders among the leading causes of ill-health and disability worldwide.

Treatments are available, but nearly two-thirds of people with a known mental disorder never seek help from a health professional. Stigma, discrimination and neglect prevent care and treatment from reaching people with mental disorders, says the World Health Organization (WHO).

As public policy professionals, we may think that this is a policy problem to solve, something we must do out there so people don’t suffer. While this is certainly important, my experience is that the first step in resolving this crisis is to look within.

Healthy minds for all

I was one of the four, but you would never know it. From the time I was born, I was primed for achievement, and worked relentlessly towards “success”. I studied political science and philosophy at Montreal’s McGill University, went on to obtain two law degrees, and worked at top law firms in Canada and Spain. I travelled the world, and even spent a summer as a fitness instructor at Club Med, working on the beach. Yet no matter what I achieved, where I went, what I did, or who I did it with, I felt it was still not enough.

Luckily, at some point in my journey, I made the decision to turn inward. I realised that, regardless of what we achieve in the external world, true transformation requires an understanding of our minds and the habits and patterns we are bringing into our present lives.

I recognised that I needed to share the importance of taking care of our own minds in order to adequately respond to the problems of our world

In 2014, I decided to bring the knowledge and experience I had gained through my own journey of healing to the public service. I was returning from my second maternity leave and I recognised that I needed to share the importance of taking care of our own minds in order to adequately respond to the problems of our world.

That year I launched the healthy workplace, healthy mind initiative at Ontario’s cabinet office and premier’s office, and created an ever-expanding team of individuals committed to bringing joy, peace and wellbeing to the Ontario Public Service. This initiative won an Ontario cabinet office apex award and has evolved during the years.

When we started out, we didn’t have a budget, and not one of the team members has a dedicated position to carry out this work. But we did have vision and a passion for helping public servants feel valued, connected and whole.

If you would like to join us in this vision, here are some steps you can take to create healthy minds in your own workplace:

1. Point out the problem and provide a solution

Don’t wait or ask for permission. The problem has already been proven — what you need to do is to provide a solution.

The research and statistics on mental health in the workplace abound. Develop a business case that lays out these stats and makes it clear to senior management that not taking action is not an option.

Here are some statistics you can use — according to WHO:

  • a negative working environment can lead to physical and mental health problems
  • depression and anxiety have a significant economic impact; the estimated cost to the global economy is US$ 1 trillion per year in lost productivity
  • harassment and bullying at work are commonly reported problems and can have a substantial adverse impact on mental health
  • there are many effective actions that organisations can take to promote mental health in the workplace; such actions may also benefit productivity
  • for every US$ 1 put into scaled up treatment for common mental disorders, there is a return of US$ 4 in improved health and productivity.

2. Provide helpful and engaging activities — not another strategic plan

People respond well to practical actions they can take to address their mental health and connect with others. Reading a 100+ page strategic plan about all the great things your organisation is doing to address mental health is not one of them. Instead of data and stats, as important as these are, provide practical solutions. Here are some examples:

  • short mindfulness practices or a guided breathing space
  • a 4-minute stretch session that you can do at your desk
  • a self-care challenge where people can share ideas of small actions they can take to take care of their bodies, minds, emotions and connections with others
  • hands-on workshops with practical exercises participants can try out to address stress and overwhelm
  • opportunities for connection at an authentic level — a mental health allies or peer support program
  • An e-mail signature or logo that you could encourage people in your organisation to adopt in order to indicate their support for a mentally healthy workplace. Here is the one we are using in the Ontario Public Service:

creating-a-healthy-workplace-how-to-make-room-for-mental-health_asset_pic-36-01

3. Ask for help — connect with others in your organisation and create a shared vision

You will be surprised by how many people share a passion for addressing mental health issues openly and honestly. Furthermore, providing others with an opportunity to contribute can promote their mental health.

Reach out to like-minded people in your organisation to plan joint events, collaborate on initiatives, and promote the great work you are doing. Before you know it, you will have started a movement that encourages speaking up, sharing your gifts, and coming together to support one another in maintaining optimal mental health.

4. Be flexible and respond to changing needs

Once you have connected with like-minded people, see what they have to offer. Also, reach out to colleagues to see what is actually needed. Promoting mental health involves ensuring people feel heard and included, so provide a forum to get suggestions on the kinds of initiatives that would be most helpful.

For example, you may not love doing webinars, but perhaps your organisation has employees across a large geographic area, or you all find yourselves at home to slow down the spread of a virus. We may have our preferences, but being open and flexible in coming up with solutions and strategies has been a huge asset of our initiative.

I had some concerns that speaking out about my own struggles with mental health and that supporting others with these challenges would be viewed negatively and limit opportunities for me

When I started out, I had some concerns that speaking out about my own struggles with mental health and that supporting others with these challenges would be viewed negatively and limit opportunities for me. I have found the opposite to be the case. As I began to show up authentically and share what works for me, I made more connections, expanded my network, and new pathways and projects presented themselves.

I would love to hear what you come up with in your organisation to promote mental health. We are always changing and growing and looking forward to evolving our healthy workplace, healthy mind initiative by collaborating with public service organisations globally. — Paula Vital

(Main Picture Credit: Unsplash)