At Northern Weldarc Ltd., it is important that all of our workers are safe and healthy, which includes mental health. Mental health includes the emotional, psychological, and the social well-being of individuals. How we act, feel, and think is all affected by this, and as a result it is how we handle our relationships with others, how we handle stress and address and make appropriate choices. According to the World Health Organization, mental wellness is defined as “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”
None of our workers are alone, and we have open doors for those workers who need help, always. Although we are not specialists in this area, we always have an ear for when someone needs it. We also have information to forward them on to the appropriate means of help for them. We will always be there for our employees as no one should feel alone or without support when they need it.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major effect on our lives. Many of us are facing challenges that can be stressful, overwhelming, and cause strong emotions. With COVID-19 being an active part of our world right now, mental wellness has been an active issue. Everyone seems to struggle with this, as it is a unique time and with closedowns, limited contact, events being postponed, and isolation with family and friends. It is very challenging for everyone, at different levels. Mental health challenges appear to be on a rise, including mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, changing habits, lack of control, increased use of alcohol and/or other drugs, the feelings of being overwhelmed, and increase of stress. Feelings of fear, worry and anxiety are normal; however, focusing on negative feelings can make coping even more difficult. To help with this, our HSE Manager has taken the psychological First Aid course.
It is okay to not be okay and to reach out for help. We will always be there for our workers who may require it, as one in three people will experience a mental health illness in their lifetime. We would prefer to deal with it before there are dire consequence. Nobody is alone!
Here at Northern Weldarc Ltd., we are focusing on more helpful thoughts and looking at the positives. One positive is that over 75% of our staff have already had our first vaccine for COVID-19. It is more important than ever to be supportive and very kind to one another!
