Defence Team Mental Health experts answer YOUR questions
Video / May 21, 2021
Transcript
During Mental Health Week, you asked the experts about mental health related questions and they’re here to answer you.
Question #1 to Dr. Sowinski. What are the 3 things Defence Team members can implement into their daily lives to maintain a healthy workplace?
(Dr. Sowinski)
1) Schedule a virtual coffee break to reconnect with your work team.
2) If you do happen to be feeling overwhelmed, talk with your leader and find ways to relieve some of that stress.
3) Remember to take breaks on evenings and weekends to do things that you truly enjoy. This is how we recharge.
Question #2 to LCol Tuka. What are some ways that Defence Team members can express emotions to foster good mental health?
(LCol Tuka)
The importance of expressing our emotions cannot be overestimated. Besides talking to people we trust, we can write about our feelings, for example, daily journaling can help to reflect on our mental well-being. We can also express our emotions in creative ways such as drawing, painting or playing music.
Question #3 to Dr. Sowinski. Does your research show that our emotions / feelings and attitudes / behaviours can affect workplace well-being?
(Dr. Sowinski)
Yeah, emotions are very important--and it's a lot better try to deal with them head-on. When we're able to “get real about how we feel”, we're able to resolve workplace conflicts and anxieties, form stronger connections with our colleagues, and--in turn--feel better and work better.
Question #4 to LCol Tuka. What resources are available for Defence Team members to help them cope with difficult emotions?
(LCol Tuka)
Amongst many available resources, multidisciplinary medical and mental health care teams offer help at the CAF Health Services clinics across the country for military members. The Employee Assistance Program is available to support the civilian members of the Defence Team.