The Winter Blues; 5 Ways Leaders Can Provide Support

For some people, winter can be a time of joy and celebration. They may enjoy the colder weather, the natural beauty of snow-covered landscapes and outdoor sports.??

For others, however, winter can be a difficult time that significantly impacts their mental health. The winter season can bring other factors contributing to poor mental health, such as social isolation, increased stress, and a lack of physical activity.??

For some people, the shorter days, longer nights, and colder weather can also lead to feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. It can amplify stressors in everyday life, making it more challenging to cope and keep up with responsibilities at home and work.??

Leaders can help by providing support and accommodations for employees in the form of:?

1. Checking in more often with employees to ask RUOK**???
2. Allowing flexible scheduling options?
3. Encouraging employees to take breaks throughout the day to get outside, especially on sunny days, and get some natural sunlight?
4. Providing access to peer support for those who may be struggling??
5. Encouraging employees to take some time off if they need it?

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**Need some concrete tools and techniques for caring for ourselves and supporting each other???

The WeCARE? eLearning program is a self-guided online course designed to help you:?

• Recognize common signs indicating that someone is in mental distress?
• Ask "R U OK" at an appropriate time and listen with compassion?
• Guide someone in mental distress to find relevant mental health resources that help?
• Provide follow up and support after an initial contact?

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And now, upon successful completion of this course, you will earn a School of Health Administration Dalhousie University micro-credential called "Responding to Mental Distress in Others". This micro-credential confirms that the holder can identify signs of mental distress in others and the appropriate ways to respond, including the types of conversations to have with the person in distress, where/how to access resources, and what to encourage for appropriate self-care.?

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Dal Micro-credentials are credentials that represent the achievement of specific skills or competencies, which are highly regarded by employers and have been validated by Dalhousie University.

The MHI/Dal Supporting Mental Health badge can be displayed on social media pages, digital resumes, personal web pages, and email signatures.?