June 2020 – Aug 2020

Background

Millennials are a unique generation that has grown up with technology at their fingertips, while being constrained by many life challenges such as financial challenges, job instability, workplace stress, independence, perfectionism and technology dependence. These challenges constrain their working environment and also may be the reason why many millennials are delaying important life stages such as moving out, getting married and having children. All these factors place a tremendous amount of stress on millennials and may be why they are at an increased risk for suicide and self-harm. Millennials (ages 24 to 39) currently make up a third of the Canadian population and are the largest generation of Canadians¹.

Improving mental health in the workplace is important for millennials to work productively and efficiently. The workplace can play an essential role in contributing to mental wellbeing as most adults spend more than half of their time at work². More than half of millennials are likely to report mental health issues, followed by Generation X and Late Boomers. Good mental health is also important in the workplace as it can affect work performance and overall productivity. Low work performance can have an adverse effect on mental health and stress in the workplace plays a major role in this process. A 2018 survey on mental health in the workplace by Morneau Shepell and the Mental Health Commission of Canada found that suicide is a major concern by working Canadians ³.

1. Heisz, A., & Richards, E. (2019). Economic Well-being Across Generations of Young Canadians: Are Millennials Better or Worse Off?. (Catalogue number 11-626-X). https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/11-626-x/11-626-x2019006-eng.htm
2. Dewa, C.S., Lesage, A., Goering, P., & Caveen, M. (2004). Nature and prevalence of mental illness in the workplace. Healthcare Papers, 5(2), 12-25.
3. Mental Health Commission of Canada. (2018, July 5). Canadian employees report workplace stress as primary cause of mental health concerns. https://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/English/news-article/13522/canadian-employees-report-workplace-stress-primary-cause-mental-health-concerns

Practicum Goal & Objectives

Purpose: To support the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) BC with their Living Life to the Full (LLTTF) mental health promotion course in improving mental health outcomes among millennials (ages 18-37) in the workforce.

Goal: To support the improvement of mental health outcomes among millennials (18-37) in the workforce

Objectives: 1) By the end of the practicum, to assess the impact of the 8-week CBT-based course called Living Life to the Full course on millennials in the workplace and 2) make recommendations for adaptation of the Living Life to the Full course to millennials

CEPH Competencies

The following are the CEPH competencies that I focused on during my practicum:

• CEPH 2 – Select quantitative and qualitative data collection methods appropriate for a given public health context
• CEPH 3 – Analyze quantitative and qualitative data using biostatistics, informatics, computer-based programming and software, as appropriate
• CEPH 4 – Interpret results of data analysis for public health research, policy or practice
• CEPH 9 – Design a population-based policy, program, project or intervention
• CEPH 19 – Communicate audience-appropriate public health content, both in writing and through oral presentation

Practicum Reflection

Millennials have their own specific life challenges and struggles that have adverse consequences on their mental health. It is alarming that millennials seem to have the highest levels of mental illnesses, suicide ideation and self harming behaviors. Mental illness itself is a complex problem that requires a complex answer. LLTTF is only one approach to improve mental wellbeing among Canadians. It is not recommended for individuals who suffer from severe depression, anxiety or post traumatic stress disorder. Even among LLTTF courses, facilitators need to create a safe learning environment based on the lived realities of participants.

Check out my practicum poster presented at MPH Poster Day below, or click here to view it in a larger size.