- One in Three Struggle as Caregiver and Employee
The majority of British Columbians surveyed agree more help is needed from employers to maintain balance in overstretched lives—and that this trend will grow in the current economy.
- Shedding Light on the Winter Blues
Around 15% of Canadians feel the winter blues, including workers. CMHA's BC Division offers tips to employers on combatting seasonal low mood in the workplace.
- Financial Crisis Takes Mental Health Toll
Recent economic troubles and financial insecurities are likely to lead to an increase in mental health problems such heightened anxiety, stress, and mood disorders.
- Work-life Balance a Challenge for Canadians
44% of Canadians find their job is interfering with their family life as workplaces continue to evolve and more attention is focused on increased productivity, rapidly changing technology and global competition.
- Child Mental Health Review Stresses Role of Community and Private Sector in Prevention
A review of BC's co-ordinated system of services for Children with mental illness, done by the Ministry of Children and Families, has reported mostly improvements in programs and education, as well as some areas still in need of change.
- Work-life Conflict in Canada in the New Millenium
The report, "Work-Life Conflict in the New Millennium: Key Recommendations from the 2001 National Work-Life Conflict Study" is the final of six reports issued since Health Canada commissioned this in-depth study in 1999. It is based on interviews with 31,000 working Canadians, one of the most extensive surveys ever completed. The summary report includes information about the extent of work-life conflict, why work-life conflict needs to be reduced, and who is most likely to experience it.
- Global Financial Meltdown Creating a 'Stress Sandwich'
Middle managers are more at risk for developing anxiety or depression as a result of increasing responsibilities and worries about job security and the growing demand to cut costs.
- 10 Things to Improve Mental Health in Canada
Steve Laurie, executive director of CMHA's Toronto Branch offers his list of top 10 things needed to improve mental health care in Canada, including access to employment, mental health services, and reduction of stigma and discrimination
- Financial Crisis May Increase Mental Health Woes: WHO
The global financial crisis is likely to cause increased mental health problems and even suicides as people struggle to cope with poverty and unemployment, warns the World Health Organization.
- Globe & Mail Documents Costs of Mental Illness in Breakdown Series
In Breakdown, The Globe and Mail documents the enormous, unaddressed cost of mental illness to Canadian individuals, families and society. The series closes with a search for solutions.
- New Teen Suicide Report Keys on Knowing Risk Factors
A new report from the BC Coroners Service called "Looking for Something to Look Forward To" highlights the need for better recognition in the signs of a child at risk of suicide, revealing that most youths who commit suicide had reached out to someone for help before their deaths. Recommendations include improving mental health literacy to assist BC families in recognizing and responding to signs of mental health problems involving children and youth.
- Senior Executives Out of Touch with Mental Health Issues
According to a survey of more than 450 Canadian organizations, while 80% of respondants reported that mental health issues have increased in importance compared with 3-5 years ago, only 13% of survey respondents said senior executives had a strong awareness of the impact of mental health on the organization.
- 1 in 3 Employees Report High Levels of Job Stress
The Health Canada report, Reducing Work-Life Conflict: What Works? What Doesn't, provides data on strategies employees and their families use to cope with work-life conflict as well as on the availability and use of a number of family-friendly policies and practices in Canadian organizations. Information on which organizational supports and coping strategies actually help employees balance their competing work and family demands is provided.
- Mentally Unhealthy Workplaces Taking an Enormous Toll in Canada
According to a survey of over 1,500 Canadian adults, an astonishing 83% report showing up for work while sick or exhausted an average of six times in the past year. Meanwhile, 89% report that instances of stress-related mental health problems have been increasing over the years.
- Economic Burden of Mental Illness in Canada Over $51 Billion
The total economic burden of mental illness in Canada in 2003 was roughly $51 billion, according to a study from the Public Health Agency of Canada, "A new population-based measure of the economic burden of Mental Illness in Canada." $28 billion was due to reductions in health-related quality of life, such as increases in pain and suffering. Work losses due to either short-term or long-term disability accounted for approximately 35% of the burden.
