Last year marked the fifth consecutive time that UBC actively participated in the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Not Myself Today® (NMT) initiative alongside Thrive in November.
NMT is an evidence-informed campaign that aims to provide tangible ways to help employers transform mental health in the workplace, reducing stigma and fostering safe and supportive work cultures.
In 2019, 29 departments across UBC participated in the campaign. This is the highest number of departments that have been engaged in NMT at UBC since it started! Faculty and staff were encouraged to get involved in departmental events, wear a mood button, or simply ask a colleague how they were feeling. It was wonderful to hear meaningful conversations about mental health and wellbeing on campus.
Here is what some participants had to say about last year’s NMT campaign:
“I liked having discussions about mental health openly with colleagues every day.”
“I really liked the engagement and interactive nature of the activities.”
“It was a great variety of events and resources and having it over one month shows commitment to supporting workplace wellbeing.”
“It is reassuring to see mental health and resiliency strategies in practice. Thank you!”
Starting in 2020: Year-round NMT
Previously, NMT only ran during Thrive in November, but we are excited to announce that, starting in January 2020, the campus community will have the opportunity to participate in the initiative throughout the year!
A rolling registration process will be launched soon that will allow departments to promote NMT whenever it works best. Teams can run the program for however long they like, and continue using the materials on an ongoing basis.
We encourage you and your departments to consider joining our community of partners to champion this initiative within UBC. By registering as a partner, you receive access to online resources prepared to inspire understanding and action for better workplace mental health.
If you want to register for NMT or have any questions, please reach out to Crystal Hutchinson at chutch@mail.ubc.ca
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