TravelPulse Canada In Depth: A Frank Discussion With Agents on Mental Health

"I'm at the end of my rope, seriously considering closing my business and never looking back. It's currently impossible to make a living income as an independent advisor," Anna Teglasi, Nexion Canada.

"We asked in (our ACITA) call with over 30 agents who is on anti-depressants or struggling with mental health and almost everyone put their hands up. This is a serious concern, as we are not seeing a light at the end of tunnel," Sarah Bowville, Beyond the Beach.

"I don't like feeling sorry for myself, I'm not one to typically cry the "why me", actually, I'll change that to "why us" because I know it's not just me but all agents and suppliers out there right now - but it's getting harder and harder to not feel this way." Cynthia Davidson, Beaches and Beyond.

"Although my sales in 2021 are the highest they've ever been, that thrill is waning, and I feel like I'm drowning in fear, cancellations, restrictions, and despair. I'm almost scared to book anyone for anything, because of the "what if's?" On top of all the day to day trials, I also feel guilty for not moving on and getting a job that helps the bottom line in our household." - Lisa Stiksma, Expedia CruiseShipCenters Chilliwack.

"I am hanging onto hope that the industry I once loved working in will return to some version of its former self. That one day I will be able to help my clients enjoy amazing travel experiences once again." Steph Switzer, Owner & Travel Designer, Exclusive To You Travel Services

These sentiments are just a sample of what TravelPulse Canada received after asking for feedback on the mental health of agents. The responses we received highlighted a very real issue that's happening in our travel industry. Of course, everyone everywhere has been affected by the pandemic, but the hospitality and travel industries have been the hardest hit - affected by restrictions that are in place specifically for them, often some argue, without the data to support them. In just Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal alone, the three busiest cities in Canada for leisure and business travel, losses have amounted to more than $2 billion. (*source TIAC report). Combine those restrictions with little to no support for many agents and many are left hurting both financially and mentally.

So what can we do to help cope? TravelPulse Canada reached out to CAMH in Toronto for insight - (Center for Addiction and Mental Health) and found these tips:

Avoid unfamiliar websites, or online discussion groups where people post information from non-credible sources or share stories which may or may not be true.

This came into the limelight two weeks ago when a Caribbean country and some travel outlets mistakenly picked up on an old article citing cancelled flights to sun destinations, creating panic and chaos amongst agents and they struggled to clarify to clients what was essentially old news. It's for this reason agents need to be especially wary of what is posted on social media, and always consider the reliability of information you see on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Find a balance: Stay tuned in, but know when to take a breather

This is far easier said than done. It's important to stay updated (see above point) but at the same time, not be overwhelmed by multiple new stories and social media posts.

"The pandemic has brought with it many dark clouds, sleepless nights, anxiety, uncertainty, depression and the question often asked daily, When will this all end?" says Arlene Gibbons, The Travel Agent Next Door.

"For me, I am focused on every day to be a new day whether it will be a good one or bad. I ensure that I make myself accountable for my mental health. One of the ways is through fitness. I love to walk outdoors and I spend 45 minutes pretty much every day (weather permitting) to get out and let my mind breathe and relax, it truly is my saviour! I am also committed to interact with other travel advisors as much as possible, sometimes a simple phone call can make all the difference in the world. I am also grateful to be a member of ACITA, this pandemic has brought us together as friends when we were once strangers, we are like one big family and of course my host agency is very close knit, they are my extended travel family who really does care and it shows!"

Moderate your caffeine intake

(This is an actual tip but really - who are we kidding….)

Remember that you are resilient and be careful with the "What ifs"

Don't underestimate what you are able to do when faced with challenges. Try to replace catastrophic thoughts with something like, "This is definitely a difficult time, but we will get through it together."

This has already been proving to be a real help with associations like ACITA bringing advisors together and helping each other cope with creating a group environment to vent and support while often offering a fun place to share jokes and funny memes to keep advisors' spirits up.

"We've had to deal with some very nasty people unfortunately and I am sure our agency is not alone in that. People were frustrated and angry and we were the punch bag. Instead of getting mad we worked hard to see the funny side of this. We had a Wall of Shame where we pasted memes and cartoons of the angry people, many of them earning nicknames. It was another way to laugh off the stress. In a strange way, COVID has done us a favour. We are closer than ever and ready to meet the challenges ahead," - Lesley Keyter, CEO and Founder, The Travel Lady Agency.

"The saving grace is my 3 colleagues...we have laughed, cried, eaten lots good food and consumed more than one bottle of alcohol along the way. We have cheered each other on, thrown in our 2 cents worth, and taken turns picking each other up. I feel like we have been to war together, and now have an unbreakable bond," says Sticksma. "I miss seeing my clients across my desk, and I miss spending time and building dreams with them.... I'm praying for a better year, and that we can look back and be amazed that we made it through."

The last two years have been incredibly challenging, with many highs and lows. I was finally able to travel again several times in the last part of 2021, which was wonderful. Now I see a lot of people calling for Canadians to support local restaurants and retail businesses by ordering take-out or curbside pick-up, but almost no one suggests booking that next vacation through a local travel advisor.

I think that would mean a lot to those of us who remain in the industry. I'm very fortunate to be part of a wonderful, supportive agency where we have strong ties to one another. I know a lot of agents are not in that same position. I still have hope that 2022 is going to be a better year than 2021 and try to stay positive every day." Amy Urquhart, Pure Magic Vacations.

"I have learned that even the bombproof need help when they are struggling, and there is no shame in that," says Brenda Slater, co-founder ACITA.

"Nobody is alone. If there is one thing that I have learned in all of this, it's that we are a community of extremely similar people, who completely understand, and we are here for each other."