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The Mental Health Continuum and Stages of Wellness

Written by: Valerie Lister | Psychological Safety Consultant 

The Mental Health Continuum  

In recent years, the importance of mental health and well-being has gained increased recognition across various industries. The tourism and hospitality sector, known for its fast-paced and demanding nature, is no exception. To address the mental health challenges faced by workers and leaders in this sector, we recommend the mental health continuum model as a valuable tool.  

The mental health continuum is a framework that recognizes mental health as a spectrum, ranging from optimal mental well-being to severe mental illness.  A sliding scale self assessment tool that helps you gauge your well-being, build your vocabulary and recognize changes in mood, thinking, and behavior that could signal a decline or improvement to your mental health. 

It emphasizes that mental health is not simply the absence of mental illness but rather a state of complete emotional, psychological, and social well-being.  This colour coded model consists of different stages going from healthy, adaptive coping (green), through mild and reversible distress or functional impairment (yellow), to more severe, persistent injury or impairment (orange), to clinical illnesses and disorders requiring more concentrated medical care (red).  

Did you know that:  

  • The stigma surrounding mental illness is one the biggest barriers to people getting the help they need?  In fact, in a 2019 survey of working Canadians: 75% of respondents said they would be reluctant – or would refuse – to disclose a mental illness to an employer or co-worker. [1] 
  • People who live with mental illness often report the stigma they experience as being worse than the actual symptoms of the illness? [2] 

The mental health continuum is a tool that is known to help decrease stigma and encourage helpful conversations about mental health in the workplace.  When workers feel comfortable discussing their mental health concerns without fear of judgement or discrimination, they are more likely to seek support and receive the help they need.  [1] Additionally, checking in proactively in where you or your team are on the scale of well-being (daily or weekly), will allow for earlier intervention.  

We know that earlier intervention often leads to shorter illness and better outcomes for the individual.   Organizations that prioritize mental well-being through proactive measures can also see improved outcomes for their business with a decrease in absenteeism, improved retention and a golden reputation in the industry that can help attract top talent.  

Imagine a Tourism & Hospitality Industry where it’s just as natural and accepted to discuss and take time for mental health challenges as it to talk about or take time off for physical illness [2].  Helps us make this dream a reality.  You can start by reading, printing, sharing this handout on the Mental Health Continuum Model.  

If you have questions about the Mental Health Continuum Model or would like help to improve the mental health culture of your team, contact one of our Workplace Psychological Safety Consultant to book a free consultation.  

References 

[1] Mental Illness and Addiction: Facts and Statistics.” CAMH, www.camh.ca/en/driving-change/the-crisis-is-real/mental-health-statistics.  

[2] Mental Health Commission of Canada. “Stigma: The Facts – Mental Health Commission of Canada.” Mental Health Commission of Canada, 17 May 2023, mentalhealthcommission.ca/resource/stigma-the-facts.