Meet Erin Sullivan!
I have had the privilege of knowing today's Superstar for something close to 9 years, and she has touched the lives of many- Including that of my own. Working alongside people in need on a daily basis, she steps up to the challenge and embraces each case with a drive to make a difference- each and every day. With a warm heart and an emphatic soul, it's no wonder she's great at what she does!
See what she has to say about working in Mental Health and Wellness and about fulfilling her purpose:
Q: So you work in the Mental Health and Wellness field! What does a day of yours typically look like?
A: I work with over 200 organizations who provide EFAP’s (Employee and Family Assistance Programs) to their employees. EFAP’s provide counseling and other support to people facing sensitive issues in their work or personal lives. Typically I report on the mental and physical health conditions of the workplaces, I educate employees and managers on the program offerings and try to help all employees be happy healthy and productive in their working environment. This sends me on the road a lot to meet with people across my territory of NB, PEI, NL and of course our beautiful NS.
Q: Do you find your career rewarding? What is the most rewarding aspect of it?
A: I find my career to be incredibly rewarding. I made a huge career switch about a year and a half ago to start in the mental health/human resources field and I am so happy I did. The most rewarding thing for me is when a corporate client calls me because they have an employee dealing with a huge issue or mental illness and they don’t know how to help them. Then we come in with tools and programs to support that employee in ways the provincial system is sometimes unable to do.
Q: What do you find most challenging, working in the mental health field?
A: The most challenging thing in the mental health field by far is the stigma associated with using programs like ours, and admitting to needing some support in managing our mental health.
Q: Is there anything you would change about the mental health system overall?
A: I would change what providers are deemed standard under our provincial health coverage. If we could see a psychologist or psychiatrist as easily as we can see a GP (General Practitioner) it would be a game changer for a lot of people and their families.
Q: How close to home does the topic of mental health and wellness hit for you?
A: The topic of wellness is huge for me. I teach fitness classes on a part time basis and I’ve seen how wellness can change lives first hand. Mental health is something that I myself have struggled with and have never been ashamed to admit that. But not everyone feels the same about opening up about their barriers in life.
Q: Why did you chose to work in this field?
I love to help people. I love to be in front of people trying to educate and better their lives and lives of their loved ones.
Q: Do you have any advice for someone who is in need, but afraid to reach out for help?
A: Find out if you or your spouse has an EFAP. This is a completely confidential way to get support and they can walk you through the process you need without ever telling anyone you’re doing so. If you don’t have an EFAP, do some research on the Mental Health Canada website. Taking the first step is the hardest and nobody has to know you’re looking – but you owe yourself the chance to be happy and healthy.
Q: What would you like for the audience of Find Your Light to keep dear to them?
A: Nobody is facing anything alone. Someone somewhere is feeling the exact way you are at the exact same minute. This world is big. But it’s still a pretty wonderful place to be if you look at it the right way J
The team of Find Your Light would like to thank Erin for not only her time, but for the work that she does to help make a difference. Today, we are celebrating her efforts and successes :)
Thank you, Erin!
Alycia
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