Coming Together for Better Mental Health
May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
Unlike many aspects of our well-being, mental health struggles are not always visible. Yet, 1 in 5 Canadians will experience mental illness in some form this year.
We hear daily how important it is to care for our mental health. But the reality is, many people are still suffering quietly.
According to UFCW Canada’s Mental Health at Work Report, based on survey responses from UFCW members across Canada, only 28% felt comfortable disclosing mental health concerns to their employer.
The ongoing affordability crisis has a significant impact on the mental health of workers across the country. Financial stress leaves people four times as likely to experience sleep issues while doubling the risk of poorer general health. Given that one-third of Canadians have reported being short of money at the end of the month, the affordability crisis is also a mental health crisis.
“Ensuring people are paid a living wage that provides financial stability is a responsibility employers owe to their workers,” says President Tom Hesse. “Living paycheque to paycheque is an added stress on our members’ lives that compounds to create very real health concerns. A lot of these concerns could be addressed by fair wages.”
This year, the Canadian Mental Health Association has chosen the theme of “Come Together, Canada” to emphasize the need for social connection to enhance and maintain our mental well-being.
That is part of why unions matter so much.
Yes, unions fight for better wages, improved benefits, and safer workplaces. But, at their core, unions are about people. We believe in making sure workers are treated like human beings and not machines expected to just “push through”, no matter what is happening in their lives.
We have seen workplaces where people were clearly struggling, exhausted, burnt out, and overwhelmed. Instead of being met with compassion, they were met with discipline, silence, or pressure to “just work harder”.
We have also seen the difference it makes when workers know they are supported.
“UFCW Local 401 staff sit with members during some of the hardest moments of their lives. Additionally, your union advocates for accommodations, improved benefits, safer workloads, time off, and understanding when someone simply isn’t okay and needs support,” says Secretary Treasurer Richelle Stewart. “We will always fight to protect the physical and mental health of our members.”
Those things matter.
Support doesn’t fix everything overnight. But consistent and intentional support reminds people they are not alone. When someone feels seen, heard, and supported over time, it can open up an opportunity to change everything.
Mental health struggles are not weaknesses. There should never be shame in asking for help or needing support.
Make time to check in on one another, and not just during Mental Health Awareness Month.
You are seen. You are respected. You are valued.
If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health challenges, please take advantage of the many available resources:
- Suicide Crisis Helpline: 988
- Alberta Mental Health HelpLine: 811
- Alberta Addiction HelpLine: 1-866-332-2322
- Mental Health HelpLine: 1-877-303-2642
- Indigenous Support Line: 1-844-944-4744
- Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
Members of UFCW Local 401 can also contact us toll free at 1-800-252-7975 to find out if your workplace has an Employee Assistance Plan in place as your union can help you navigate that process.
In solidarity,
Your Union
UFCW Local 401
Posted on: May 15,2026