Mental Health Awareness

Mental Health and Awareness Guide

The Mental Health and Wellness Awareness Guide illustrates four mental health and wellness phases an individual may experience in the workplace. It looks at specific signs and symptoms (characteristics) along the spectrum from wellness (resilient phase) to mental health difficulties (distress phase) and the two phases in between (struggling and worrisome phase). In addition, this guide offers suggested strategies to improve mental health and wellness. The purpose of this guide is to assist individuals to better understand their own mental health and wellness and to appreciate the challenges of others.

This guide in no way identifies every possible sign or symptom one might show, and it is also not to be used as a tool to diagnose someone. It is simply a guide that can help identify sources of stress in peoples’ lives; encourage mental and physical resilience; encourage healthy discussions about mental health and wellness; help each of us to keep an eye on one another; and to be proactive in creating a healthy and supportive environment in which we live and work. It is the responsibility of each of us to maintain a healthy environment, support recovery, and reach out to those at risk of mental health injury. For suggestions on how to reach out, refer to the TEMA Model of Support.

Characteristics – Signs and Symptoms (Body, mind, emotions, behaviours)	Suggested Strategies to Improve Mental Health and Wellness
Resilient Phase High level of wellness and resilience and good life and/or work balance
Physically and emotionally healthy Enthusiastic, engaged with others, participates in home, community and/or workplace activities Good presence in life (e.g., school, work, family, social, community, etc.) Readily shows happiness, and excitement, good motivation and energy Good use of coping skills, positive ways to deal with feelings and emotions Satisfaction in life and/or work	Maintain good life and/or work balance Stay connected with others Surround yourself with things you enjoy, love, and are compassionate about Be mindful of what you are doing to be resilient Have fun Put yourself first, take time for you Exercise Rest, relax, and eat well Reflect on what is going well and build on that Surround yourself with good people, good activity, and a good environment Create a self-care plan
Struggling Phase Struggling but maintaining some balance in life.
Irritable, forgetful, more fatigued than usual Some absence from commitments (e.g., school, work, family, community, etc.) Less engaged with others, not socializing as much, loss of motivation Completing tasks but limited enthusiasm Increase in stress levels Less active Struggling to keep life’s commitments in balance	Be mindful of yourself and what is going on around you Increase your rest and relaxation time Set small, manageable goals so you feel you are accomplishing something Ask for help from others Focus on your strengths Focus on what you need from others Try to not avoid contact with others; strive to engage with others daily Surround yourself with good people Become more active to decrease stress Focus on healthier coping strategies Stop and reflect on how you are doing and what you need Be kind to yourself. Focus on finding more balance in your life. Create a self-care plan
Worrisome Phase Challenges with one’s mental health and wellness begin to surface, and life balance is limited.
Emotionally withdrawn from others Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness Increase in substance use/misuse Low activity level, low level of mental wellbeing Poor physical and/or mental health Apathetic More missed commitments in life (e.g., school, work, family, social, etc.) Lacks motivation or overworks, struggling to complete tasks Less tolerant, easily frustrated, agitation, accident-prone Negativity is predominant Unkempt appearance	Be aware of your limitations and struggles Ask for professional help Accept help from others Keep connected with supportive people Avoid isolation Acknowledge you are struggling Find time to focus on yourself Reflect on what may have gotten you to this point Seek medical support to assist in better understanding your mental health and wellness challenges Surround yourself with supportive people, activities, and resources Create a self-care plan
Distress Phase Mental health distress: Severe change in thinking, behaviour and actions
Unhealthy mentally and physically, poor self-care Exhausted, anxious, panicky, depressed, sleep deprivation Easily frustrated, angry outbursts Lots of absences and/or lateness (e.g., work, school, family, social, etc.) Withdrawn from others, not engaged Avoidance of people Impaired judgment, distorted thinking Low to no motivation or productivity “I don’t care” attitude Suicidality, substance misuse and/or mental health breakdown	Seek professional and medical help Stay connected with supportive people. Avoid isolation Focus on getting better physically and emotionally Keep yourself safe Follow through with recommended supports from professional and/or medical helpers Develop a self-care plan to get better Create a safety plan