Students are invited to examine the topic of workplace mental health and wellness in WorkSafeBC’s 2022 Student Safety Video Contest.
Photo credit: istock.com/Alessandro Biascioli
According to an Angus Reid study, published in January 2022, 36% of Canadians say they are struggling with their mental health. The study also found that 7% of Canadians say they are “barely getting by” when it comes to their mental health in dealing with the pandemic, more than double the number measured at any point since October 2020. And reports of feeling fatigued, frustrated, and/or anxious have all increased since November 2021.
Why focus on mental health at work?
Here in B.C., students are invited to explore the theme, “My mental health matters,” in the 2022 WorkSafeBC Student Safety Video Contest.
The challenge is to create a video (maximum two minutes) that explores the importance of mental health in maintaining a safe and healthy workplace.
“It’s easy to see how physical injuries take their toll. But your mental health is just as important — and mental injuries can be much harder to see,” reads the contest page. “What can affect your mental health at work and what do you need to stay resilient?”
Robin Schooley, an occupational health and safety consultant in WorkSafeBC’s young and new worker program, anticipates youth will have a lot to say on the topic.
“We already have a number of entries, which is unusual this far ahead of the deadline. It’s been a trying couple of years for everyone, youth included. It looks like this theme is really resonating with them.”
All styles are welcome, including drama, comedy, documentary, music video, stop-motion, animation, and mashups. There are some big prizes for the winning videos, and entries are accepted until the March 29 deadline. For inspiration, check out the winning videos from 2006 to 2021.
To learn more about resources for mental health in the workplace, see my post, Finding support for workplace mental health programs.
When it comes to starting conversations about mental health issues, the more opportunities the better. None of us is alone.
