For World Mental Health Day (Oct. 10), this year's theme is “prioritizing mental health in the workplace." It's a great opportunity to check in with our colleagues, our loved ones, and ourselves, about mental health and wellness. We can have conversations around our wholistic well-being and the steps we can take to nurture our spirit.
At the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) we understand that each person's mental health and wellness is impacted, both positively and negatively, by various factors. Situations that positively affect our wellness would include working in a job that has purpose; having friends, families, and colleagues that support us; and being connected with our land, language, and culture. Situations that negatively affect our wellness could include living with poverty, intergenerational trauma, and racism.
As First Nations people, we are fortunate that many of our ancestors passed on to us the fortitude and traditional teachings that helped them survive profoundly traumatic events. One such teaching includes the important message that we are all connected, that we are one, and that what happens to one affects us all. As Squamish Nation Knowledge Keeper Syexwaliya says, “To live life in a good way, we must all work together and support one another."
This sense of responsibility for each other's well-being is essential to ensure that we are all wholistically well, both in our communities and within our workplaces. At the FNHA, we promote the concept of Lateral Kindness, an approach based on First Nations teachings and beliefs about respect, fairness, and the importance of social harmony, community, and healthy relationships. We believe an ideal workplace is one where the environment is built on a foundation of lateral kindness.
We understand that the work every one of our employees does, while rewarding, is often deeply personal and challenging. Helpers, community leaders, Elders and healers also require support and kindness to help them continue to do the hard work they do day in and day out. It is important that everyone who is in a helper role takes care of their own wholistic wellness so they can continue supporting First Nations children, families, and communities across BC.
Let's continue lifting each other up, supporting one another and spreading kindness, both in the workplace and at home.
In addition to the links below, follow the FNHA's social media channels and website for expert information about maintaining good health and wellness, treatment centres, resources, programs, and more.
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