Mental Health First Aid

Mental Health First Aid is a training course designed to give members of the public the skills to help someone who is experiencing a decline in their mental well-being or mental health crisis. The evidence behind the program demonstrates that it builds mental health literacy, decreases stigmatizing attitudes, and helps individuals identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness.

Canadian statistics show that one in five Canadians will experience a mental health problem this year. MHFA is an interactive workshop that teaches participants to recognize the signs that a person may be experiencing a decline in their mental wellbeing or a mental health crisis and how to provide initial help and guide the person to appropriate professional resources.

The course addresses four of the most common and most stigmatized mental health disorders and includes signs/symptoms, risk factors, and crisis first aid for specific situations:

· Substance-Related Disorders

· Crisis First Aid for Overdose

· Mood-Related Disorders

· Crisis First Aid for Suicidal Behaviour

· Anxiety and Trauma-related Disorders

· Crisis First Aid for Panic Attack

· Crisis First Aid for Acute Stress Reaction

· Psychotic Disorders

· Crisis First Aid for Psychotic Episode

MHFA does not teach participants to become therapists or counsellors. Rather, it provides the skills, knowledge, and attitudes that allow someone to offer effective first aid intervention.

The course begins with a self-directed module (Module 1) that is completed online. Module 1 focuses on the information and strategies that participants will discuss and practice throughout the classroom modules (Modules 2 and 3). Course participants are required to complete Module 1 before participating in Module 2 and 3. Completion of Module 1, and full attendance of Module 2 and 3 receives certification.

Trainers:

Nicole Closs, RPN, Lead Mental Wellness Facilitator YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg, Certified MHFA Trainer MHCC (Mental Health Commission of Canada)

Rebecca Trudeau, Manager, Mental Health programs YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg, Certified MHFA Trainer MHCC (Mental Health Commission of Canada)