Mental Health Update

By: Julian Toy, H.S.C. Substance Abuse Professional, Member of The Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals

A study released June 23 by the Canadian Mental Health Commission and the Conference Board of Canada found that 84 per cent of people who responded reported their mental health concerns had worsened since COVID-19. Most of those surveyed were employed full time.

Employers can help support mental health by providing concrete coping strategies to employees through training, re-evaluating EAP providers to ensure they meet the needs of employees and conducting information campaigns to make employees aware of the mental health resources available to them.

Because substance use increases when mental health is compromised, conducting Fit for Duty/Drug and Alcohol training can help employees whose substance use has increased, possibly preventing escalation into Substance Abuse.

Supervisor Fit for Duty training is more important than ever to ensure jobsites and workers are safe and employers and supervisors are protected from fines and penalties under the OHSA and Criminal Code.

If you have questions, need training or literature, please contact Julian directly:

Direct Line: 905-866-7301
E-Mail: juliantoy@myaddictionexperts.com
Web: www.myaddictionexperts.com
Services: Fit for Duty/Drug and Alcohol training, COVID 19 Mental Health Training, Fit for Duty/Drug and Alcohol policy development, Defensible Documentation Training and employee Substance Abuse Assessments.
Literature: “Optimizing Mental Health during COVID 19” E-Booklet.
Preferred provider of Fit for Duty/Drug and Alcohol training and COVID 19 Mental Health Training - Eastern Construction Ltd.