In an effort to create more positive conversations around mental health and mental illness, this is the first of an article series brought to you by the Wellness Team. Over the next few months we will touch on a mental health topic to keep these thoughts front of mind. Content is mostly derived from the “Not Myself Today” workplace mental health initiative from the Canadian Mental Health Association.
While conversations about mental health are encouraged to normalize discussing mental health as part of health, the language we use has the potential to be both helpful, and/or harmful. The following guidance can help tackle stigma, and be supportive of people facing mental health challenges:
Saying something hurtful can happen accidentally. If you notice yourself using inappropriate language, this is an opportunity – you can make a correction, apologize for using the hurtful language, and foster a culture of learning.
For more information about Not Myself Today, read the relaunch story where details about registration to the online platform can be found.
The original “Language Do’s and Don’ts” poster by Not Myself Today, can be found here. Check out other printable posters from the “Learning the Basics” module:
Providing the best care to the people we serve is dependent on our own health and wellness. We are working to deliver a comprehensive Staff and Medical Staff Wellness Action Plan, to help us create a healthy and safe work environment where everyone can flourish. If you have a wellness idea that could make a big difference to you and your colleagues, please send it to Ideas: Forward. If you have questions about this plan or feedback on wellness at PHC, please be in touch: missionforward@providencehealth.bc.ca .
