Changing Mindsets on Mental Health — Caroline Curran
For World Mental Health Day, we interviewed public servants working to change mindsets on mental health in the workplace. Here are their stories. (version en français)
Why does the issue of mental health matter to you, personally?
Like every other Canadian — I am a person who has had challenges in my own life and who has witnessed family members and colleagues struggling with their mental health. What I have learned is that the outcome of these experiences is often directly related to how these people are supported at home and at work.
What have you been proudest to see created in the public service mental health space?
The work we did with the Task Force on Mental Health that resulted in the creation of the Centre of Expertise on Mental Health and the Federal Public Service Strategy on Mental Health. This is a true example of what collaboration can achieve.
If we are at the bottom of a mountain and climbing — what do you hope to see at the summit?
We need an inclusive workplace where people can thrive. Workplaces that are inclusive, safe, diverse and healthy allow people to contribute in the best possible way.
What advice would you give young public servants?
Speak up. Get involved. Make a change in your organization. If there isn’t a dialogue going on now, start talking about how you open that up. The time is now.
What advice would you give seasoned executives?
Compassion and self-awareness are key to creating a safe work environment. Resources like the Centre of Expertise on Mental Health are available to help support and guide you when you are not sure how to deal with an issue .
If a public servant is struggling with their mental health — what first step should they take?
Do not suffer in silence. You need to identify a key person to help you develop a plan that identifies what you need to get back to healthy and how you can continue to stay connected and active and work while you are doing this.
If you could innovate and introduce a new tool or resource to support public servant mental health — what would it be?
A good self-assessment tool that uses a series of questions to provide public servants with a report that helps them understand their symptoms and can be used to begin a dialogue with their doctor or manager to help them create a plan to get and stay healthy.
Favorite thought you remind yourself of when things get difficult for you?
“The struggle you’re in today is developing the strength you need for tomorrow. DON’T GIVE UP.”
To access tools and resources from the Centre, please go to: Canada.ca/workplace-wellness
To learn more about the mandate of the Centre of Expertise please go to: Our Commitments
