Our commitment to mental health
OUT OF THE DARKNESS AND INTO THE LIGHT
“My postpartum depression evolved into psychosis. I wasn’t just tired anymore, I barely wanted to live. I had no choice but to be admitted into hospital and treated. For the sake of my son, I’m so glad I got the help I needed, but I was one of the lucky ones. I was really embarrassed when friends and co-workers came to visit me in the hospital. I didn’t know how they would react. To my great surprise they were all so supportive and were in fact a big part of my recovery. I’m happy to talk about my success story whenever I can – talking about mental illness is the key to overcoming it. ”
Patty McGuire, Officer, Employee Relations
It is estimated that 20 per cent of Canadians will suffer from a mental illness at some time in their lives, and the remaining 80 per cent will be affected by the mental illness of a family member, friend or colleague. In 2007, Canada Post was proud to announce that it was adopting mental health as its cause of choice.
With our more than 60,000 employees, we have an opportunity to really make a difference by raising awareness about mental health issues and, in turn, breaking down barriers for sufferers. In 2008, we will implement a national strategy that supports mental health, and will also urge businesses and governments to do more to help. As well, we’re supporting our mental-health agenda through a variety of activities, including sponsorship of Mental Illness Awareness Week and a national “Address your Stress” campaign.
Mental Illness Awareness Week
Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) is the annual national public education campaign of the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH). This annual national public education campaign, which takes place from October 5 to October 11 in 2008, helps Canadians to appreciate the human cost of mental illness and delivers the message that mental illness can be treated. We are proud to have chosen to become the Platinum Plus sponsor of MIAW for 2008.
A national strategy to support mental health
We hope to set an example that other companies will follow by implementing a national strategy in support of mental health. This strategy involves promoting awareness of mental-health issues through a variety of activities, as well as raising funds to support mental-health organizations. We will raise funds through the collective efforts of our people and the scale of our business.
