What Happens When Coaches are Given the Space to Open Up and Talk About Mental Health

Written by Lauren Cleveland, Specialist, Facilitator Experience Many coaches want to support mental health. They see the signs and indicators. They care about their athletes.…

A Legacy of Light: Thank You, Eric Windeler

Content warning: This post discusses suicide, self-harm, and mental health crisis, including descriptions that may be distressing. Please take care while reading. If you need support, call or…

Mental Health at Work Is Everyone’s Responsibility

Mental health at work is not owned by one team or initiative, it’s a shared responsibility. This piece explores how leaders, employees, and HR each shape workplace mental health through everyday decisions,…

Growing Together: Expanding Mental Health Training Globally

Opening Minds expands its mental health training internationally, bringing The Working Mind to Australia and Ireland. Through global partnerships rooted in local context, this work strengthens workplace…

Building Mental Health Training Into Your Organization: How to Roll Out Programs That Last

This rollout guide helps organizations move beyond one-time mental health training toward an approach that lasts. Learn how to align mental health learning with existing systems, clarify roles, build…

MHFA Ireland and the Mental Health Commission of Canada partner to bring The Working Mind program to Ireland

Mental Health First Aid Ireland and Opening Minds, an initiative off the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC), are working together to bring The Working Mind (TWM) to Ireland – a program proven to shift…

When Wellness Becomes a Performance: Eating Disorders, Language, and Shared Spaces

Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses shaped by biological, psychological, and social factors, not personal choice. This piece explores how shared spaces, workplace culture, and everyday language…

The Duty to Inquire and Mental Health at Work: What Canadian Employers Need to Know

In Canadian workplaces, the duty to inquire is part of an employer’s responsibility to accommodate employees, including those experiencing mental health challenges. When an employer knows, or reasonably should…

The Power of Conversation: Reflections from a Mental Health First Aider

Reflection on the power of conversations about Mental Health. Drawing on experiences as a Mental Health First Aider, it highlights the importance of listening, using supportive language, and creating safe…

Workplace Stress Management: A Guide for Leaders Looking to Support Struggling Teams

Discover how leaders can transform workplace stress management from a reactive task to a foundational leadership skill.

The Duty to Accommodate and Mental Health: Why Training Matters More Than Ever 

The duty to accommodate in Canadian workplaces includes both the duty to inquire and the duty to implement appropriate accommodations—an especially important distinction in mental health contexts where needs may…

Mental Health First Aid Is Not Bound by Office Walls. For Virtual Teams, It's More Vital Than Ever

As HR professionals and team leaders, we’re used to responding to the needs of our people. We’ve built systems around onboarding, performance, development, and safety. But there’s one area where traditional…

Why Certification Matters: Elevating Mental Health First Aid for the Moment We’re In

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) in Canada now offers two training pathways—MHFA Certification and MHFA Essentials—to strengthen mental health support across individuals, organizations, and communities.…

5 Things I Wish Co-Workers Knew About Living With Mental Illness

Supporting mental health in the workplace starts with empathy and understanding. Mental health challenges are often invisible, but small actions, like using inclusive language, making space for…

When Stigma Gets Personal: A Reflection on Inner Barriers

Stigma isn’t just external — it can live inside us as self-stigma, the harsh beliefs we tell ourselves about needing help or struggling. Awareness is the first step to change. Reflect, challenge, and replace…

Showing the Way Forward: AMHSA’s Bold Approach to Mental Health at Work

At the Alberta Municipal Health and Safety Association (AMHSA), mental health is now recognized as a vital part of workplace safety. Under the leadership of Chief Administration Officer Craig Hrynchuk, AMHSA…

Paula Corcoran Is the Kind of Changemaker We Need in Mental Health

Facilitator Paula Corcoran has spent over a decade helping people rethink what it means to support mental health — at work, at home, and in themselves. Through honesty, lived experience, and practical tools, she…

Your Culture Lives in the Conversations You Avoid

Culture doesn’t live in policies — it lives in people. And when it comes to mental health at work, silence isn’t neutral; it shapes team dynamics, trust, and outcomes. This piece explores The Culture Gap — the…

The Space We Make: Living the Change We Want to See 

Every day, in classrooms, offices, and communities across the country, people are finding ways to show up—with compassion, with curiosity, and with care. Even when things feel messy or uncertain, we see people…

Do Employees Get Nervous When HR Calls a Meeting?

Let’s be honest—most people feel a little nervous when they get a message saying HR wants to meet. Even if it’s nothing serious, the first thought is often, “Am I in trouble?” It’s a pretty common reaction,…

Mental Health at Work: Are You Training the Fish or Cleaning the Tank?

Training your people is like teaching fish to swim better—but what about the tank they’re swimming in? This story dives into how great mental health strategies balance employee training and creating the right…

Building a Workplace That Works: How Psychological Health and Safety, Mental Health First Aid, and The Working Mind create a Smart Mental Health System  

Imagine stepping into a smart building—not just a structure, but an interconnected system designed to enhance well-being. The air adjusts for comfort. Lights adapt to your needs. Systems integrate seamlessly,…

Using Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Isn’t Just About Helping—It’s About Defying Stigma 

The moment I picked up the phone, I knew something was wrong. My co-worker—who was also my friend—was in crisis. It was late. I was tired. I was afraid of saying the wrong thing. But I stayed on the call. Not…

Supporting Those Who Support Us: Prioritizing Mental Health in Nursing 

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…

What We’ve Learned: 5 Key Insights to Improve Mental Health at Work

At Opening Minds, we’ve collaborated with numerous organizations to enhance workplace mental health. Drawing from these experiences, we’ve identified five key insights to guide your journey.

NHLPA, Opening Minds, and PHPA Bring FIRST LINE Mental Health Training to More Professional Hockey Players

The National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA), Opening Minds, a social enterprise division of the Mental Health Commission of Canada, along with the Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA)…

What Organizations Can Learn from Santa Claus

Every December, our home is filled with Christmas movies and TV shows, each offering a unique spin on how Santa pulls off his incredible mission of delivering joy to kids all over the world. While every story…

Strengthening Support - The Impact of Mental Health First Aid for Veterans

The Mental Health First Aid for the Veteran Community (MHFA-VC) program, established by the Mental Health Commission of Canada and Veterans Affairs Canada, addresses mental health challenges faced by…