Time & Location
About The Event
Background
1 in 3 (33%) Canadians will experience a mental health problem at some point in their life. The earlier a problem is detected and treated, the better the outcome. Mental Health First Aid Canada gives individuals the skills to provide that early help that is so important in recovery.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), developed by the Mental Health Commission of Canada and
facilitated by a Bridges Health Instructor, is the help provided to a person developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. Just as physical first aid is administered to an injured person before medical treatment can be obtained, MHFA is given until appropriate treatment is found or until the crisis is resolved.
The MHFA Canada program aims to improve mental health literacy and provide the skills and
knowledge to help people better manage potential or developing mental health problems in
themselves, a family member, a friend or a colleague.
The program teaches participants how to:
• Recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health problems.
• Provide initial help.
• Guide a person towards appropriate professional help.
MHFA aims to:
• Preserve life where a person may be a danger to themselves or others.
• Provide help to prevent the mental health problem from developing into a more serious state.
• Promote the recovery of good mental health.
• Provide comfort to a person experiencing a mental health problem.
MHFA trained employees will help equip your organization to:
• Recognize and understand the symptoms of mental health problems, including those related to substance abuse
• Provide help to prevent the mental health problem from developing into a more serious state
• Promote the recovery of good mental health by accommodating employees in distress or recovering from a crisis
• Increase productivity and reduce absenteeism and overall pressure on benefits
Mental Health First Aid Basic
MHFA Basic is intended for adults interacting with adults (18 years and older). This 12-hour
course focuses on the four (4) most common mental health disorders including substance
related, mood related, anxiety and trauma related, and psychotic disorders. Participants who
take this course are well prepared to interact confidently about mental health with their family, friends, communities, and workplaces.