Drew Sousa has been an Occupational Health Nurse for over 25 years. Most recently, she retired from the position of Executive Director for the Ontario Occupational Health Nurses Association (OOHNA). Before this, she worked as the Manager of the Employee Health Unit at the City of Mississauga, where she led a team managing disability and wellness programs for City staff for over 17 years.
Nurses are the backbone of healthcare, providing essential care and support to patients in every setting. The nursing profession is uniquely demanding, both physically and emotionally, requiring resilience and strength. As Drew Sousa, a seasoned nurse and mental health advocate, puts it, “We dedicate ourselves to caring for others. We know the importance of caring for ourselves too. Now we are talking about it. And starting to do something about it.”
As the lead of the City of Mississauga’s Health and Wellness strategy, Drew gained an in-depth understanding of the challenges organizations face due to the rise in mental health issues in the workplace. Her healthcare training and extensive experience allow her to connect with participants in her training sessions, making the content highly relevant and impactful.
Drew has been a key figure in mental health training, having trained over 1,000 individuals and managers in The Working Mind and related programs. She also played a major role in national efforts to improve workplace mental health, serving on the technical committee that created the National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace.
The Unique Mental Health Challenges of Nursing
Nurses operate in high-pressure environments, making critical decisions while managing heavy workloads, long shifts, and emotionally charged situations. The pandemic reinforced the importance of mental health, and many nurses are now using that awareness to advocate for ongoing support and workplace wellness initiatives. Sousa emphasizes, “We are learning that prioritizing our own well-being helps us provide even better care to those who rely on us.”
Through persistent efforts, nurses have recently been recognized and protected through PTSD presumptive legislation through WSIB. In addition, many workplaces are integrating mental health support programs to further empower them. By acknowledging the unique stressors of the profession, organizations are ensuring nurses have access to training and resources that help them build resilience.
Making Mental Health a Priority
The good news is that the conversation is shifting. More healthcare organizations are recognizing the importance of mental health support for nurses and implementing programs like The Working Mind (TWM) training. This training equips nurses and healthcare workers with practical tools to assess and maintain their own mental wellness.
One of the most valuable tools within TWM is the Mental Health Continuum, which provides a simple, effective way for individuals to check in on their well-being. Sousa shares her advice:
“I tell people to use the continuum in three ways: First, find your baseline and see if you’re comfortable with it. Second, identify how you act when you’re in the red and share that with someone you trust. Third, use it as a regular check-in, just like you would for a physical health screening.”
Healthcare organizations have begun by integrating mental health initiatives into their workplaces. While training requires both a time and cost investment, the benefits far outweigh the risks of absenteeism and burnout. Investing in mental health training strengthens teams, enhances resilience, and ensures better support for both staff and patients.
The Future of Mental Health in Nursing
Nurses are embracing opportunities to take part in decisions that impact their well-being. They are becoming leaders in mental health advocacy within their workplaces and supporting one another to create stronger, more resilient teams. Sousa encourages, “Take this gift that we’ve been given in acknowledgment and use it as a snowball to build something bigger.”
By celebrating the organizations that are making mental health a priority, we can continue to foster a culture where nurses feel supported, valued, and empowered to thrive in their careers. Taking care of those who care for us is not optional—it’s essential.