Canadian HR Reporter

www.hrreporter.com 31 easier to come forward to a manager or colleague about mental health struggles. What is the key to removing the stigma that makes it hard for workers to come forward? "The one word I've been hearing a lot lately is 'vulnerability,'" says Taylor. "I think the pandemic has been an opportunity to realize that we are all just human beings… whether you're an executive or a frontline worker, we are just people coming to work every day. And I think that is one of the key components around education: helping people be vulnerable, sharing more about themselves, and being more open to hearing about the people on your team." And it's a process that starts at the top, with leaders at the company setting an example and knowing how to help, he says: "It's not blurring the lines between being a manager and being a counsellor, it's about being a link to resources and knowing how to have that conversation about mental health." 'It's all around healthy bodies, healthy minds' Sobeys' commitment to mental health isn't just within its own walls — it has taken the cause outside of the organiza- tion as well. Much talk around mental health focuses on adults. But 20 per cent of Canadian youth are affected by mental illness, yet only one in five gets the help they need, according to the Canadian Mental Health Association. That's why, last year, Sobeys announced a partner- ship with Canada's Children's Hospital Foundation to create "A Family of Support," an initiative that builds a Canada-wide circle of care. "When we make investments in the communities that we serve, it's all-around healthy bodies, healthy minds," says Taylor. As a result of support from Sobeys, 13 children's hospitals across Canada will launch new early intervention mental health and education programs to support their local communities' most urgent child and youth mental health needs. Intensive mental health treatment — while staying on the job Many people across Canada who are struggling with mental health or addic- tion avoid seeking treatment for many reasons. And that often includes feeling like they cannot step away from profes- sional and family obligations. Others may have sought out resources from work, community support or individual therapy services, but feel like they need more to get better. That's why EHN Canada, a network of treatment facilities across Canada that works closely with progressive employers to enhance strong workplace mental health solutions, launched Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs). While these are virtual programs for treating depres- sion and anxiety, substance use disor- ders and workplace trauma, treatment is more than simply online counselling. An IOP is a structured blend of individual and group therapy sessions spanning eight weeks, followed by 10 months of online aftercare designed to help clients stay on track. Also included is access to EHN Online's Wagon app to help set goals, track recovery progress and monitor triggers; a team of strong clinical experts, specifically trained in providing online treatment; and the flexibility and convenience of therapy that can accom- modate busy lifestyles. CHRR Employees in need of treatment? If you recognize an employee struggling with their mental health, work-related trauma or a substance use disorder, there is help. EHN Canada offers quality programs at inpatient facilities across Canada, along with virtual Intensive Outpatient Programs. Find out how the referral relations team helps both local and national organizations build comprehen- sive mental health strategies: call (866) 226-6037 or email referrals@ehncanada. com or visit www.ehncanada.com.

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