Defence Team: It’s time to #GetReal about how you really feel – A message from your Mental Health co-Champions

May 3, 2021 - Defence Stories

Anxious. Afraid. Happy. Sad. Angry. Exhausted.  

Many of us have likely felt these emotions, among others, over the last several months.

Recognizing,  and accepting our feelings are all part of fostering good mental health, and that is exactly what this year’s Mental Health Week (May 3-9) (You are now leaving the Government of Canada website) is all about.

COVID-19 has no doubt altered the way we live and interact with one another. The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine is a promise of the gradual return to the activities and contact with the people we so dearly miss. Until then, we continue to deal with the ongoing reality of adapting our daily lives and routines to protect the most vulnerable members of our society.  

We understand that living through this has - to one degree or another - taken its toll on many of us. For instance, parenting in a pandemic, worrying about our health or that of a loved one, being posted and having to buy a home during the current housing market, and working from home while being burned out from too many video calls are all real stressors. In fact, nearly 40 per cent of Canadians say (You are now leaving the Government of Canada website) that their mental health has deteriorated since the onset of the pandemic. These feelings are real, normal and need to be acknowledged. 

As your Mental Health co-Champions, we encourage each of you to do what is within your control to maintain positive mental health, and to Understand our Emotions, as per this year’s theme for Mental Health Week.

Suggestions and resources that may assist:

• First off, know that good mental health is not about being happy all the time. In fact, a mentally healthy life includes the full range of human emotions—even the uncomfortable ones like sadness, fear and anger.
• Naming – our emotions can help us understand and process them. It can even make us feel better. However, if your emotions are overwhelming, persistent and/or are interfering with your daily life, it is important to seek mental health supports.
• Be kind to yourself. With the warmer spring weather, take some time during the day to get outside for a walk and a breath of fresh air. You may see a great effect from small changes to your routine.
• The Defence Team COVID-19 – Mental Health and Wellness web page includes a useful hub of information on how to support your personal well-being. It also provides an overview of the confidential support services that are available to Defence Team members, whether military or a public service employee.
• Stay connected. Organize opportunities to connect virtually with family and friends, even for a short period of time.

Be sure to also check out the Defence Team’s Mental Health Week 2021 web page to learn about the various activities taking place this week. If you are on social media, stay connected by using the hashtags #GetReal and #MentalHealthWeek.

Finally, we are pleased to inform you that we will soon be releasing the new Defence Team Total Health and Wellness Strategy. This strategy reflects our commitment to your health and wellness as our top priority, and to the culture change needed to make all Defence Team members feel safe, respected, included, and empowered in their workplaces. Stay tuned for more information.

We encourage each of you to take time throughout this week to #GetReal about how you really feel. Remember to take care of yourself and check in with others.

Related Links

• Statement by the Prime Minister on Mental Health Week
• Message from the Interim Clerk for Mental Health Week