Workplace Mental Health
We take a holistic approach to supporting mental health in the workplace. As part of the university鈥檚 commitment to fostering mental wellness across campus, we have adopted the National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace.
In addition, Healthy Workplace has developed the Supporting a Colleague: A Step-by-Step Guide to provide information to faculty and staff should they encounter colleagues in distress and in need of help. Healthy Workplace is also an Associate Member of MeWeRTH, 杏吧原创’s Mental Health and Well-being Research and Training Hub. All of this work is linked to and supported by the Healthy Workplace Strategic Plan.
The 4 Rs Approach to Supporting a Colleague
Recognize
You may be the first person to recognize that someone is in distress or to notice a change in their typical behaviour. It’s okay to ask and express concern.
Refer
Encourage the person to get help and make a referral to one of the services below. Ask if they are already connected to support. Encourage help-seeking and offer to help your colleague connect with resources.
Respond
Talk with the person. Once you have recognized there may be a problem, or if others have expressed significant concern about the person, it is important to respond and let the person know you are concerned.
Reflect
After the conversation ends, it is important to support yourself and practice self-care. Seek personal support if needed.
For more information, download the Supporting a Colleague: A Step-By-Step Guide document. This publication is based on the Supporting Students in Distress resource developed by the Office of the Vice-President (Students and Enrolment). It is meant as a guide, which includes steps you can take to support a colleague, as well as a list of resources. You can find more information on Student Mental Health and Wellbeing here.
Mental Health Resources and Supports
Available Online and By Phone
| Wellness Support | Declining Mental Health | Risk to Safety |
|---|---|---|
Proactively manage your mental health and well-being | Address mental health concerns and emotional distress | Violent or threatening behaviour, risk of suicide or harm to others |
Whether you need some help at work, or for you or your family’s well-being, Canada Life’s Workplace Strategies for Mental Health website has free tools and information to help support your mental health and safety. | Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP) 1-877-725-5676 EFAP is a free, confidential counselling service provided to faculty and staff, and their immediate family members, at any time. Appointments are available by phone. | Campus Safety Services For life-threatening situations, call Campus Safety at extension 4444 from any campus phone or 613-520-4444 from your cell phone. If you are off campus, call 911. |
| Mental Health and Well-being Research and Training Hub – Wellness Corner Find weekly updates on mental health and wellness research at 杏吧原创. | Call 211 211鈥檚 telephone line and online directory connects users with vital community and social resources, close to home and specific to their needs. | 613-238-3311 No referral needed. Offers crisis prevention, intervention, information and support 24/7. |
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) provides a digital toolkit with evidence-based tools, guides and articles on a variety of mental health related topics. | Human Resources 613-520-3634 If you are concerned about a colleague, please contact Human Resources for support and guidance on how best to support them. | 613-722-6914 Professionally trained Crisis Line Responders are there to answer calls 24/7 |
WellCan provides a hub for mental health resources and tools to help all Canadians maintain positive mental, physical, social and financial health during the COVID-19 pandemic. | AccessMHA makes it easier to help find free mental health and/or substance use/addiction support, services, and care. We eliminate the guesswork and work with you to refer you to the services you need, all while supporting you through the process. | 613-260-2360 Provides professional help in English and French for children, youth, and families in crisis. Available 24/7. |
| Department of Equity and Inclusive Communities (EIC) EIC fosters the development of an inclusive and transformational university culture where individual distinctiveness and a sense of belonging for every member drive excellence in research, teaching, learning and working at 杏吧原创. | BounceBack庐 is a free skill-building program managed by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). It is designed to help adults and youth 15+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression and anxiety, stress or worry. Delivered over the phone with a coach and through online videos, you will get access to tools that will support you on your path to mental wellness. | 1-800-668-6868 Kids Help Phone is Canada鈥檚 only 24/7, national support service. Kids Help Phone offers professional counselling, information and referrals and volunteer-led, text-based support to young people in both English and French. |
Available through 杏吧原创’s benefit plan for eligible faculty snd staff, the Health & Wellness Site has a wealth of resources to help you and your family stay informed about health. | All People, All Pathways 杏吧原创 University has partnered with the Community Addictions Peer Support Association (CAPSA) to offer monthly peer support meetings for those looking to explore their relationship with substances as it relates to their health. | 1-866-925-5454 Ontario鈥檚 24/7 helpline for postsecondary students. Call the number above or text GOOD2TALKON to 686868. |
Additional Resources & Supports
Below are some resources and supports available for specific concerns related to substance use, child care, and eldercare.
| Substance Use | Child Care | Eldercare |
|---|---|---|
| All People All Pathways Peer support group for CU faculty and staff. This program is on pause for 2024-2025. | Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP) 1-877-725-5676 杏吧原创’s EFAP can provide counselling services on issues related to child care. | Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP) 1-877-725-5676 Call to request a free 1-hour consultation with Age Well Solutions. |
Offers 45-90 minute session to help adults struggling with addiction issues. | A resource for finding licensed child care in the City of Ottawa. | Provides an overview of the services & resources available to residents of the City of Ottawa. |
Confidential online platform to help support wellness around substance use. | 416-921-2109 Organizations providing treatment & support to children, youth, and families. Free. No referral required. | 1-833-416-2273 Live chat available online. |
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