Making the Business Case

Phillipia's Story:
Post-partum Depression
Don't be ashamed

"I became ill after my second child. With my sister's help, I realized that I wasn't acting or feeling the same. After seeing my doctor, social worker, and psychiatrist, I am now in a good place. My advice to others is, don't be ashamed. You can get help from your friends and family, and they will be there for you. You're not alone. Millions of people are going through the same thing and there is no need to be afraid because there is help out there. "

More from Phillipia can be found in Working Through It

The Global Business and Economic Roundtable on Addiction and Mental Health released guidelines for CEO and public sector executives. These guidelines highlight the need for leaders of organizations to promote the open and full discussion, acceptance and understanding of mental illnesses among working men and women. More recently, Dr. Martin Shain wrote a report for the Mental Health Commission of Canada that speaks to the legal imperative to take action as well. See full report [PDF]

Poor mental health not only hurts individual Canadians - it can also reduce an organization's profits.

For further information on steps that can be used to help improve psychological health and safety in the workplace, please see the follow pages:

• Step 1: Establish baseline costs of mental health
• Step 2: Establish and strengthen existing programs
• Step 3: Establish accountability
• Step 4: Set goals and establish rewards
• Step 5: Benchmark and report