Workers' mental health in the pandemic

It’s a crisis within a crisis. The workplace pressures of working through a global pandemic have seriously impacted the mental health of many front line workers and health care professionals.

Far too many workers cannot access the mental health supports they need. As a result, burnout, resignations and extended leaves of absence are hollowing out the workforce in essential sectors that are already understaffed.

On October 21st, the BC Health Coalition brought together a panel of frontline workers for an important discussion about the state of mental health in their workplace and what workers need to serve the public well. 

We recognize that conversations about mental health can be difficult and that it is normal to need support to engage in this topic. While we are far from living in a province where mental health supports are accessible to all, we do have some great resources available. Click here to see our compiled list of mental health resources for adults and youth.

Health care and essential frontline workers need your support. We encourage you to learn more about existing campaigns to improve mental health supports for workers and to support them however you can. 

Support a campaign

UNLOCK MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT - BCGEU

Sign the petition in support of unlocking mental health supports for workers who suffer psychological injuries on the job: https://www.unlockmentalhealth.ca/ 

EXPAND WORKSAFE COVERAGE - HEALTH SCIENCES ASSOCIATION

Expand coverage to all health care and community social services professionals by asking your MLA and BC Minister of Labour to address the barriers health care workers face to access the mental health supports they need to recover from mental health injuries on the job: https://www.hsabc.org/coverage/ 

THERAPY IS MEDICINE TOO - BC PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION

Sign the petition calling for psychologists to be covered by MSP and integrated into primary health care: https://www.psychologists.bc.ca/campaigns/therapyismedicinetoo

FUTURE FOR ALL - BC FEDERATION OF LABOUR

Tell your MLA you support bringing on 10 employer-paid sick days for workers. Access to paid time off is essential to the mental health of all workers in BC. https://www.futureforall.ca/10_days