Meet Melissa Boudrias, CFIA mental health and wellness advisor

Growing up, my mother introduced me to many self-development authors and gurus like Bob Proctor, Rhonda Byrne, Dan Millman, and Tony Robbins.

Despite getting an early taste of what it means to have a growth mindset, it wasn't until I faced adversity myself that I discovered the value of feeling good. Coping with the loss of a loved one, I journeyed through grief by shifting my focus to things in my control. I immersed myself in fitness and nutrition, and it didn't take long to notice the profound effects on my psychological wellbeing.

At that point, I knew that sharing my passion for wellness with others was my calling. In my current role at the CFIA, I have the opportunity to do just that by empowering others to prioritize their own growth and happiness and maintain their mental health while working on the front lines to protect food safety, plant and animal health.

Diving into wellness at the CFIA

For years, I took a range of classes to explore fitness, movement, nutrition, yoga, mental health, resilience, relationships, leadership – anything to satisfy my hunger for wellness.

I still pinch myself thinking about how closely the career I have at the CFIA today aligns with my passions. As the Agency's Senior Mental Health and Wellness Advisor, my mission is to make sure employees know what support and resources are at their disposal.

On any given week, you'll find me researching the latest statistics, developing support materials, delivering presentations, keeping up with industry best practices, strategizing ways to incorporate wellness into our workplace culture, and organizing and hosting events.

At its very core, my work is about breaking the stigma of mental health so we can work towards preventing illness and providing support for our colleagues.

Even superheroes need a little help sometimes

There's certainly been a spotlight on mental health and wellness since the onset of the global pandemic. Statistics show that many Canadians are struggling, which is consistent with the 25% increase in anxiety and depression worldwide since the start of the pandemic, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO).

CFIA employees are no exception. Many have been called upon to continue providing essential services since the start of the pandemic. On top of challenges on the frontlines, they've dealt with high-profile events like animal disease outbreaks, detections of plant pests and diseases, and food safety emergencies.

Time and again, CFIA staff have shown relentless dedication and resilience. While we think of them as everyday superheroes, it's important to remember the human side – the emotions, the sacrifices, the family responsibilities, the grief, and the isolation.

Remote work has also posed unique challenges. To help combat feelings of isolation, stress and anxiety across the Agency, I take inspiration from my own amazing team. We've built a solid foundation based on respect and empathy that empowers us to support and motivate other groups in a variety of ways, including virtual presentations and guest speaker events. The goal of the sessions is to encourage employees to put stress aside while learning concrete tips to prioritize their wellbeing.

Filling your cup: why self-care isn't selfish

As the saying goes: we can either make time for our health now, or be forced to take time for our illness later. Believe it or not, this simple concept has taken me years to put into practice.

Wellness is ultimately when healthy decisions become habits over time. It's incredible what you can accomplish when you take deliberate actions that align with your goals.

In my own journey, reading ten pages of a book is a small daily practice that's been extremely helpful. Instead of turning on the news first thing in the morning and getting anxious about the state of the world, reading with intention with coffee in hand sets the tone for my day, helps me focus on what's in my control, and spurs ideas for how I can make a difference in my community.

Big waves start with small ripples

Even in this post-pandemic virtual world, there are opportunities each day to boost the mental health and wellness of those around us – and that goes beyond our closest family and friends.

When it comes to helping colleagues, we can smile, hold a door open, help them with their bags, check in, have a virtual coffee chat, and lift them up in tough times. These seemingly small gestures go a long way towards building a workplace culture anchored in kindness and authenticity.

The Agency offers a range of resources to support employees' mental health and wellness, including 24/7 access to an employee and family assistance program, a peer support program, corporate gym membership rates, as well as a digital wellness and fitness platform, to name a few.

Don't forget to be gentle with yourself, too. Even if you can't see how far the ripple extends, know that your actions  have impact.

Learn more

• Do you have what it takes to be a superhero?
• Job opportunities at the CFIA
• Mental health and wellness (canada.ca)