MENTAL HEALTH. MENTAL ILLNESS. NOT QUITE THE SAME.
A little bit of background information here. Mental Health. Mental Illness. Not quite the same. The National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace defines mental health as a state of well-being in which you and I realize our own abilities to cope with the normal stresses of life. You and I can work productively and fruitfully, and we are able to make a contribution to our community. Mental Illness is not necessarily viewed in the same context. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, mental illness is just that – an illness, just like physical illness. The good news is that all mental illness is treatable.
The Great-West Life Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace noted in a recent newsletter, “It’s reasonable to assume that, on occasion, we may find ourselves overwhelmed, stressed or challenged by pressures that affect us at work. Maintaining good mental health, and providing support for those who may be coping with a mental health-related issue is in everyone’s best interest.”
So, the question that arises from this background information is pretty straight forward. Are You A Mental Health Champion? When we consider the demands and priorities that each and every one of us deals with both in work and in life, isn’t it about time to be the very best Mental Health Champion you can be…FOR YOU??
But, what is a Mental Health Champion? Last summer, a colleague of mine in the Field of Career Development and I sat down together and wrote what we believe is a Mental Health Champion. It wasn’t a daunting task at all when you consider the fact that both of us live with and manage depression and anxiety on a daily basis. Our life experiences spoke volumes to us on the day we wrote the following.
“Defining the Mental Health Champion! We face adversity. We find ways to deal with it. We use the support we have around us. We speak our truth when things don’t go well. We function in the wacky world of work where disappointments can be inevitable. We move on. We validate our feelings. We look for ways to maintain our daily personal wellness. Yes, We are GREAT! We are Our Own Designated Survivors!”
Be the very best Mental Health Champion you can be for you, your family and your friends. I’ve provided you with so many awesome resources in this article relative Mental Health and Mental Illness. Go ahead and check out what these resources have to offer. Most of all… Have fun!! And be happy!!
