I am Major-General
Marc Bilodeau,
Surgeon General
of the Canadian Armed Forces.
The pandemic has affected
our daily routines;
physical distancing has replaced
crowds of people
and mask wearing has become
the new normal.
The pandemic has taken a toll
on many people's well-being,
and in some cases this extends
to challenges
with their mental health.
Other events,
such as the deterioration
of the situation in Afghanistan,
and the troubling revelations
about conduct and culture
within our institution
are also adding
to the numerous stressors
imposed on our Defence Team.
It has become
more important than ever
to support one another.
A healthy body and mind
are essential
for our overall good health.
We must accept that it is
the responsibility of each of us
to monitor our lifestyles
and determine
what changes are needed.
Not being able to recognize
the signs of mental illness
in ourselves and others
is only one of many barriers
that prevent some people
from seeking support and care.
We all have a role to play
in removing these barriers.
We must therefore take action
to increase awareness
about mental illness
and do our part to reduce stigma
by talking openly
about mental health.
There is no shame
in using the resources
that are available to us,
and so many advantages
to sharing them
with those around us.
As we participate in the 12th
annual Bell Let's Talk Campaign,
we want our Defence Team
to know how important it is
to "continue to support
yourself and others"
as we navigate the various
challenges presented to us
by the COVID-19 pandemic
and the other challenges
our organization has experienced
in the last year.
The support you extend
to those around you,
and the help you seek
for yourself,
can make all the difference.
Remember, if in need,
take the opportunity
to talk to someone
in your social support network
including family,
friends, colleagues,
chaplains or
health care professionals.
If you see someone
struggling to cope,
offer to help them with a task,
direct them to care resources
or simply offer to listen
to their concerns.
These gestures may seem small,
but can change the course
of someone's day entirely.
There is a wide variety
of mental health
and wellness resources
available to Canadian
Armed Forces members,
the cornerstone of which is
access to a mental health system
founded in primary care
and augmented by specialty
mental health care teams.
Psychiatrists, psychologists,
social workers,
mental health nurses,
addiction counsellors,
chaplains, and community
health care providers
are available to provide support
when you need it.
I encourage civilian personnel
to use
Employee Assistance Services
and Canadian Armed Forces
members and their families
to use the Canadian Forces
Members Assistance Program.
These confidential support and
crisis services are available
to you 24 hours a day,
7 days a week.
Know that you are never alone,
and that help is
always available
to keep
our Defence Team healthy.
Lastly, our leadership plays
a key role
with regard
to employee wellness,
and it has the responsibility
to protect
the safety and health
of employees,
which includes
their mental health.
Often, the demands and pace of
our work can be overwhelming,
in particular
in unprecedented circumstances
such as the pandemic.
I encourage
all managers and supervisors
to live by example,
by taking care
of their co-workers,
both at the workplace
and in a remote work context,
by maintaining an open dialogue
with employees
and by applying healthy
management practices,
keeping an open mind
about a progressive return
to the workplace and encouraging
a psychologically safe
work environment.
This should be done
with a proper understanding
of behaviour
that encourages teams
and a positive and
healthy work environment.
These are easy ways
to show and offer your support
to those around you,
and to mitigate
certain stressors
in order to optimize
work-related mental health.
The wellness
of all Defence Team members
is a departmental priority.
As such, we continue to be proud
of participating in
the Bell Let's Talk initiative
to support mental health.
I encourage you to take
some time for yourself
to participate in this year's
Bell Let's Talk Day.
Help us support mental health,
because together,
we can all make a difference.
♪