Important Notice
If this is an emergency, you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911 or go to your nearest hospital or emergency department.
Workplace Programs to Support Workers
Organizations that prioritize mental health may have a variety of measures in place to help prevent or reduce mental health concerns among workers. These supports could include, but are not limited to:
- An Employee and Family Assistance Program
- Specialists within the organization, such as occupational health and wellness professionals, diversity officers, and human resources representatives
- Benefits that make it more affordable to seek external help (e.g., from a psychologist).
Take the time to become familiar with the supports your company offers. They are there to help you and your coworkers!
Your company should also have policies and practices in place to further assist workers who are struggling with their mental health. These may include accommodations for modified duties or work schedules, mental health training, and more.
Accommodations /Return-to-Work/Stay-at-Work Efforts
A worker who is struggling with mental or physical health issues (or other concerns) may benefit from an accommodation such as a modified schedule or change in duties. Similarly, a worker who returns to work following a short- or long-term leave may need extra supports as they ease back into their role.
In both cases, it is important to have written policies in place that outline procedures, duration, and the expectations and responsibilities of both management and workers—among other things. This ensures any accommodation/return-to-work processes are fair and transparent.
Make sure you know your workplace policies and procedures for this important workplace support.
Mental Health First Aid /Trauma Response/Overdose Response
It is good practise for us all to take first aid training in case of workplace or personal incidents. Likewise, knowing basic mental health first aid can also be useful. Mental health first aid training can provide you with the tools to respond to mental health or substance-use concerns in the workplace and in your personal life. It may also provide you with self-care strategies—the better to help identify emerging mental health problems or cope with issues you may be experiencing, too.
To learn more about this concept and find training, check out IHSA’s employer resources page.
Services in the Community
There are many free mental health support services available outside of the workplace. Some provide support for specific client groups, while others are accessible to the broader community. The Ontario government has an extensive list of services to support you and those you are seeking to help. Be sure to bookmark that page, and be aware of these crisis lines and resources, too:
Distress and Crisis Supports
General Information
211 Ontario provides information and referrals for community, government, social, and health services, including mental health resources, across Ontario.
ConnexOntario offers information for people experiencing problems related to mental health, drugs, alcohol, and gambling, plus advice on how to navigate support services.
More Resources
Workplace Strategies for Mental Health also lists a variety of community resources that may help with a broad spectrum of mental health concerns.
Workplace Mental Health |
Supporter Toolkit - Referring someone to supports