Mental Health First Aid Standard (blended)

The Mental Health Commission of Canada reports that one in every five Canadians experiences a mental health problem within a year. While we often know a lot about physical illness, there tends to be less knowledge about mental health or substance use problems. This lack of understanding leads to fear and negative attitudes toward individuals living with mental health or substance use problems. It prevents people from seeking help and providing appropriate support to people around them.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is offered to someone with an emerging mental health or substance use problem or in crisis, until appropriate treatment is found or the situation resolves. An evidence-based course, MHFA Standard  has been proven to give participants:

• The tools to recognize signs of decline in mental well-being.
• The ability to talk about their mental health.
• The knowledge to discuss professional and other supports that could help with recovery or improved mental well-being.
• The confidence to reach out to these supports.
• The tools to assist during a mental health or substance use crisis.
• The knowledge to use MHFA actions to maintain one’s own mental wellness.

Topics

This 9-hour course opens with a self-directed module (Module 1) that focuses on the information and strategies that participants will discuss and practice throughout the live classroom modules (Modules 2 and 3). Course participants will complete Module 1 before participating in Modules 2 and 3.

Upon registration, participants will receive a Participant Reference Guide which outlines MHFA actions for mental health and substance use problems and crises.

Module 1: Self-directed module that introduces participants to the concepts of the course and Mental Health First Aid actions.

Module 2: Live classroom that discusses tools on how to apply MHFA actions to situations of declining mental well-being and guidelines for MHFA conversations with diverse populations.

Module 3: Live classroom that gives participants the opportunity to practice applying MHFA actions to crisis situations and discusses the importance of self-care.

Course Layout

This course is offered in virtual and in-person delivery methods.

Crisis First Aid and Interventions For:

• Suicidal behaviour
• Panic attacks
• Overdose
• Acute stress reaction
• Psychotic episodes

Course Model

• Assess the risk of suicide and/or harm
• Listen non-judgmentally
• Give reassurance
• Encourage professional and other support.
• Self-Care

“The well-being of our coworkers, our communities, our families, and ourselves has never been more important. The Mental Health First Aid training has taught us how to be more confident when supporting those around us.”- CEO & Chief Sustainability Officer, IKEA Canada