Good vibes ahead

Picture this future scenario: You’re a working professional. It’s a hectic time—deadlines are approaching, pressure is mounting, and you’re wondering how you’ll manage to get everything done. On top of that, you’re feeling burnt out, both physically and mentally.

But the silver lining? Today, more employers understand mental wellness is as important for overall well-being as physical health, and they’re taking steps to support it. Employees feel empowered to have honest conversations about mental health, and this openness and support make a real difference.

As you begin your career, prioritizing mental health will be as important as building technical skills. CPA Assist, a free support program for all CPAs and candidates in Alberta and Saskatchewan, is one way the CPA profession ensures you don’t have to navigate this alone.

For Jeff Herzog CPA, Assistant Executive Professor at the University of Alberta, serving on the CPA Assist committee provides valuable insights into mental health and helps him support students. “Working in education, you’re sort of at the forefront of mental health issues because you have so many young people in a very high-pressure situation over the course of their undergrad degree,” he says.

Jeff is a strong advocate for therapy, and for him, therapy is about maintaining mental wellness, not just addressing a crisis. “I just got back from therapy about an hour ago,” he says. “You’re not going to be able to handle those situations where you need to be strong mentally unless you’re training up for those moments. You wouldn’t run a marathon without preparation, and mental health is no different.”

Lydia Giles CPA, CA, Director of Corporate Tax at TransAlta, also knows first-hand how vital it is to stay on top of mental wellness. Balancing a busy career, managing a team, and taking care of her mental health has been a journey.

“When I’m feeling low, I can indulge myself in work because it’s something that I’m good at,” Lydia says.

To maintain balance, she blocks time in her calendar for self-care, ensuring she doesn’t get caught in a cycle of overwork and burnout.

Lydia believes a culture of understanding and support is essential for both employees and employers. “I am able to say I do struggle with mental health, and when I do call in sick sometimes, I can say I’m calling in for a mental health day,” she shares. “That means the world to me as somebody struggling with a mental health condition.”

Lydia offers practical advice for those entering the profession: find an organization that fits with your values, set boundaries, and know your limits. She prioritizes sleep, exercise, healthy eating, family time, and giving back to the community.

Expressing gratitude is another way Lydia stays grounded, shifts her mindset, and focuses on the positives during stressful times. “Every day on my drive to work…I say out loud three things that I’m grateful for,” she says.

Jeff emphasizes the importance of staying active, connecting with others, and volunteering. “Volunteering provides so much value to my life; it makes it feel like there’s a purpose behind why I’m standing on this weird rock that’s just spinning through space and time,” he says.

Jeff suggests also planning days to recharge through relaxation or fun activities. “Accountants, we’re kind of creatures of habit,” he says. “We’re good with deadlines, so if you can self-impose programmed rest days…that’s really beneficial!”

The accounting profession can be challenging, especially for new accountants dealing with long hours and high expectations. Jeff’s advice is to recognize these challenges are normal and focus on avoiding burnout. A supportive network of colleagues and mentors can enhance your mental health and help you navigate tough times in your career.

“We’re all going to face stress, and if you go through life with [an] aversion towards stress, you’re probably going to miss out on some great learning opportunities,” Jeff says.

Jeff also points out that none of us are set in our ways, and making small changes daily—such as being nice to others and making connections— can help foster a more human-centric work environment. “It’s more important than ever as we look to the future of our profession that we become less robotic and more human,” he says.

With remote work becoming more common, Lydia highlights the importance of getting outside and staying connected with colleagues, even if it’s just for a quick coffee or chat. “People with mental health concerns need to be very careful if they are in full-time remote work,” she says. “I’m an introvert, so I can say it’s so easy for me to just not leave my house.”

Whether you’re working from home or in an office, check in with yourself regularly, build healthy habits, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it.

Both Jeff and Lydia agree taking care of your mental health is an ongoing process. It’s important to advocate for your mental wellness, rather than rely on an organization to do it for you.

Jeff emphasizes how everything is interconnected—taking care of our minds and well-being and learning to navigate life’s challenges. His motto is to “Stay checked in. Stay present…. Be in the moment.”

Lydia’s parting advice is simple: “If things don’t go perfectly, be gentle on yourself and give yourself a little bit of grace.”

Whether it’s taking time to rest and recharge or managing a condition, it’s not just about selfcare; it’s about creating a sustainable balance to thrive in your career. As the human side of work takes centre stage and mental health support continues to evolve, it’s certainly good vibes ahead for mental wellness in the profession.

CPA Assist offers confidential counseling services—including crisis support—free for CPAs, CPA candidates, and their immediate families in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Plus, they provide health and wellness services like fitness and dietary consultations, along with resources on important topics like addiction, domestic violence, family relationships, grief, suicide prevention, workplace challenges, nutrition, parenting, stress management, and career dissatisfaction.