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10 tips to promote Mental Illness Awareness Week

1 in 5 Canadians will suffer a diagnosable mental illness, but only 1 in 3 of them will seek help, says stress and wellness specialist Beverly Beuermann-King from Work Smart Live Smart. Next week, October 5-11, is Mental Illness Awareness Week, and Beuermann-King offers these tips on how you can raise awareness in your workplace about mental illness. (Number 6 is my favourite.)

1. Host an employee Lunch 'n' Learn on Depression, Seasonal Affective Disorders, Bipolar Depression, Anxiety Disorder, Postpartum Depression and Stress.

2. Educate leaders on recognizing mental health issues and options for return to work.

3. Arrange a workplace health fair with connections to the mental health community.

4. Look at workplace flexibility: flex hours, telecommuting options, job sharing.

5. Provide pamphlets on mental illness symptoms and treatments.

6. Bring in a massage therapist or relaxation instructor.

7. Email daily wellness tips to each employee.

8. Post wellness articles on employee bulletin boards.

9. Declare a "Stress-Down" day: eliminate unnecessary meetings and emails.

10. Promote daily stress busters.

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Posted by Kat Tancock on September 29, 2008, 10:02 am

1 Comment

Thanks for writing about Mental Illness Awareness Week. There is so much misinformation and lack of information out there that leads to guilt, shame and isolation that is great to see someone actively promoting mental health. The more that we talk about it, the more likely people will get the help and support that they need. To find even more information - visit www.WorkSmartLiveSmart.com - Thanks, Beverly

Posted by Beverly Beuermann-King on 2008-09-30 09:44:11