An evidence-based virtual program designed to address and promote mental health and reduce mental illness stigma in a workplace setting.
The Working Mind (TWM) program, provided by Mental Health Commission of Canada and sponsored by Royal Canin, is a must for all veterinary staff. TWM addresses mental health distress caused by inherent workplace stresses such as day-to-day workflow pressures, interpersonal relationships, conflicts, and challenges unique to veterinary medicine like ethical and moral distress.
This program offers two types of courses:
The Working Mind Employee
- Understand mental health and mental illness;
- Recognize signs and indicators in themselves and others;
- Reduce stigma and negative attitudes towards people with mental health problems (did you know only one in two veterinarians with serious psychological distress receive mental health treatment?);
- Support colleagues with mental health issues (did you know 40 per cent of veterinarians do not feel comfortable discussing mental health topics with other veterinarians?);
- Maintain their own mental health and improve their resilience.
The Working Mind Manager
- Talk with employees about their mental health challenges;
- Manage mental health accommodations in the workplace and facilitate the successful return to work for employees who have been on medical leave;
- Enable all employees to be fully productive;
- Ensure the workplace climate respects and involves all employees, including those with mental health problems;
- Encourage employees to seek help for mental health problems.
The Working Mind courses are available to CVMA members ($30) and non-members ($60) and is available to all clinic staff. Please visit the CVMA website for more information and to sign up.