Conservation Mental Health
A Pan-Canadian Conversation
on Conservation Mental Health
People working in conservation and protected areas can directly feel the weight of biodiversity and habitat loss and the impacts of climate change. Parks professionals also work to reconnect people in nature in a complex environment where access and impact must be thoughtfully integrated. Field members serve the public and nature directly, often as first responders in emergencies and disasters. Organizational and management members are accountable for heavy, lasting decisions. All these factors together make it critical for everyone in the parks community to be mindful of our individual and collective mental wellness. This begins with listening to ourselves and each other, and accessing the employee support services offered by each of our agencies, our communities, and our health care system.
Related Posts
Webinar Summary – Healthy Parks Healthy People
Healthy Parks Healthy People (HPHP) is an international initiative aimed...
Read More
CPCIL Webinar: Starting a Conversation on Conservation Mental Health
March 5, 2020 1pm Eastern/10am Pacific Register for Webinar An...
Read MorePark Agency Employee Support Services
Every member agency of the Canadian Parks Council offers their employees supports for mental health crisis, stress, and other life challenges. These programs are all linked below and CPCIL encourages all members of the parks community to participate in counselling services at any stage of a stressful situation:
Other Mental Health Services
The Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP) was launched in 1985 by a group who saw the need to provide information and resources to communities to reduce the suicide rate and minimize the harmful consequences of suicidal behaviour. Like many others, CASP envisions a world in which people enjoy an optimal quality of life, are long-living, socially responsible, and optimistic about the future.
“CASP’s ultimate purpose is to reduce the suicide rate and minimize the harmful consequences of suicidal behaviour. We continue to be a touchstone for everyday Canadians and members of the media who want resources, guidance and education.”
https://suicideprevention.ca
Immediate Help:
“The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) leads the development and dissemination of innovative programs and tools to support the mental health and wellness of Canadians. Through its unique mandate from the Government of Canada, the MHCC supports federal, provincial, and territorial governments as well as organizations in the implementation of sound public policy.”
The mental Health Commission of Canada offers resources, tools, and training.
“Peer support is emotional and practical support between two people who share a common experience, such as a mental health challenge or illness. A Peer Supporter has lived through that similar experience, and is trained to support others.
Peer Support Canada connects peer supporters and organizations, helping share information and building capacity for peer support.
Peer Support Canada also offers certification for Peer Supporters, Family Peer Supporters, and for Peer Support Mentors. Peer Support Certification is a confirmation of one’s knowledge, skills, and experience as a peer supporter. Certification verifies one’s alignment with the nationally endorsed Standard of Practice, and is recognized across Canada.
The Standards of Practice for mental health peer supporters were developed in consultation with peer supporters from across the country and endorsed by peer leaders representing interests nationwide. The national Standards of Practice consist of the knowledge, competencies, experience, and code of conduct requirements to effectively provide peer support services with due care and skill in a variety of settings.”
One in every five men is living in pain, often suffering in silence and isolation, and suffocating under the stress of work and family life. If we want to maintain healthy families and healthy communities, we need to ease this pain.
Mental health is not just an individual problem. It’s a shared responsibility between the individual, the family, the employer, and society as a whole. The BroMatters Project would see men empowered to make a change for the better in the management and care of their mental health needs. “It’s time to break the silence, turn on the lights and end the needless suffering by asking men with real life experience what tools and resources work for them. Men addressing the mental health needs of men, their way, with their voice, as one united brotherhood.”
"As people trying to make the world a better place, sometimes we need to eddy out in order to rejuvenate, regain some perspective, and then launch our boats back into the water."
"You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them."
Feather Challenge Coin
A way to start discussions among colleagues was offered through the use of CPCIL Feather Challenge Coins. When presented to another colleague, these tokens offer a silent and simple way to signal our state of well-being.
front
When the coin is presented “face up” with the colour and filled-in feather, it indicates that we are in a positive state of well-being. Things are going well and our energy is in balance. We are here to listen.
back
When the coin is flipped “face down” with the colour hidden and the empty feather showing, we are indicating that we feel empty and in need of reassurance and support. We need someone to listen to us.
CPCIL Feather Challenge Coins are only about listening with empathy. You may simply sit in silence or have a friendly conversation that releases tension. These conversations are not a replacement for seeking assistance from employee and family assistance programs, and the coins might help someone gather the courage to ask for help.
We are all stronger when we are together. We are never alone.
To order custom coins for your team or organization, contact manager@cpcil.ca
Community of Practice Champions
Conservation Mental Health
Each community of practice is led by two CPCIL Park Leaders and any other members of the community who want to actively contribute to keeping the conversation going.
CO-LEAD
Melanie Percy
CO-LEAD
Kathleen Godfrey
SPRING 2019 CAPSTONE TEAM C
Mary Lou Doyle
SPRING 2019 CAPSTONE TEAM D
Jeff Brown
Conservation Mental Health Discussion Forum
Join the Conversation
Submit Your Canadian Parks Collective Profile
You must register with CPCIL.ca to view and participate in online forums.
Please provide as much information as you can so that others can search your profile and build connections across the Canadian Parks Collective.