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On average, one in five Canadians will experience a mental health problem in any given year; and almost half of those who suffer from depression or anxiety have never sought professional help. These staggering numbers indicate that in order to tackle mental health problems, first, we need to discuss this topic more openly. In its commitment to take care of its employees, Erb Transport has joined the Not Myself Today® initiative– a solution to help transform mental health at the workplace.

Understanding Mental Health

Mental health is a complex issue that affects millions of people worldwide. We usually associate this term with clinically diagnosed conditions such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and more. However, mental health really refers to our overall emotional, psychological, and social well-being, and it can look different for everyone. 

Mental health problems can show themselves as:

• Having no energy, drive, or motivation;
• Pushing people away;
• Unusual fights with family and friends;
• Feeling helpless or hopeless;
• Severe mood swings; and,
• The inability to perform daily tasks.

Physical factors such as genetics and brain defects may put someone at a higher risk of developing a mental illness. Nonetheless, mental health issues can also stem from severe trauma, loss of loved ones, or even a stressful work environment and job burnout; all of which can happen to anyone at one point in their life.

In order to combat these problems, each person needs a strong support system to maintain their mental well-being as well as recover from mental illness. Understanding this need, Erb Transport has joined the Not Myself Today® program.

Not Myself Today® Initiative 

Not Myself Today® is a mental health initiative presented by the Canadian Mental Health Association. It is based on the understanding that each of us has days where we don’t feel like ourselves, and instead of opening up about it, we tend to suppress our feelings. This initiative aims to help companies build a mentally healthy workforce by raising awareness, reducing stigma, and fostering safe and inclusive work cultures.

Participating companies will receive a physical and digital toolkit as well as other resources to engage their employees in this issue. The materials are designed to start conversations that support mental health, offer guides and information, and evaluate impact in the workplace.

Why We Joined Not Myself Today® 

The average Canadian works 40 hours per week, which means we spend almost 25 per cent of our time surrounded by co-workers, employers, and employees. Our jobs play a significant role in our lives, and our workplace is our second home. Therefore, it is crucial that employees are a part of a healthy environment where they feel heard and well-equipped to do their job. With the Not Myself Today program, Erb Transport is stepping up to tackle the mental health crisis. We want to make sure each member of our Erb family is comfortable reaching out and asking for support when they need it, because getting help is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of strength and courage.