PTSD has been found to be more prevalent amongst frontline employees
The Canadian government is investing $1.2 million to support the mental health of long-term care (LTC) home employees, who’re at risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
"Canada's long-term care workers have done such tremendous work and sacrificed so much to keep older people healthy and safe throughout the pandemic. With the funding announced today, we are working to support frontline workers most at risk of PTSD and investing in their healing process," said mental health and addictions minister Carolyn Bennett.
The six-figure fund will be granted to the Canadian Association for Long Term Care (CALTC) so they can work with the Mental Health Commission of Canada to develop The Working Mind Programme, an initiative seeking to reduce the stigma of mental illness and promote resiliency in the workplace.
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"As we work to improve senior care in Canada, CALTC is incredibly pleased to be the recipient of this grant from the Government of Canada that allows us to partner with the Mental Health Commission of Canada to deliver mental health training that will support LTC employers and employees for the future – ultimately resulting in better care for our residents," said CALTC CEO Jodi Hall.
According to the announcement, The Working Mind programme will be customised and adapted to fit the needs of managers, supervisors, and frontline employees who are based in LTC homes.
Michel Rodrigue, president and CEO of the Mental Health Commission of Canada, said they are "pleased" to collaborate with the federal government and CALTC in helping LTC workers through The Working Mind.
The new investment is part of the federal government's bigger $50 million that is dedicated to assist frontline and essential service workers who are suffering or at risk for PTSD and trauma because of the pandemic.
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The funding comes as a Statistics Canada report in 2020 found that PTSD was more prevalent among frontline workers (10%) than other Canadians (5%). PTSD is an anxiety disorder caused by very stressful, frightening, and distressing circumstances, and it can impose difficulties for workers in trying to navigate their daily lives, including in the workplace.
To those who are struggling or know someone struggling with their mental health, they may seek assistance through:
- Accessing the Wellness Together Canada portal
- Calling 1-866-585-0445
- Texting WELLNESS to 741741 (adults) or 686868 (youth)