Mental health first aid training is coming to the Innisfail Library/Learning Centre courtesy of the Mental Health Commission of Canada.
“Most people do not know that one person in three will experience some form of problem with their mental health at some point in their life,” said Tammy Oliver-McCurdie, family community support services manager. “This presentation on mental health first aid will run at the Innisfail Library/Learning Centre from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on March 13 and 14.”
Yvonne Walsh, Alberta Health Services (AHS) addiction and mental health psychologist, and Christy Mulder, AHS addiction and mental health psychiatrist, will be presenting information on mental health first aid to interested professionals and community members in the Innisfail area.
“Members of the public don't know how to deal and react to those with mental health issues,” said Oliver-McCurdie. “There are so many types of mental health problems ranging from depression to alcohol abuse and often the stigma of being diagnosed will prevent sufferers seeking treatment or loved ones having a spouse or child diagnosed.”
Just like with medical first aid, non-professionals can help people in mental distress, said Oliver-McCurdie. She added that recognizing the symptoms of mental distress and being able to offer immediate aid and support the person until they get professional help can prevent further disastrous results.
The goal of the mental health first aid course is to help individuals recognize mental health problems, to increase confidence in helping others, to increase helping behaviours, to provide resources and to model effective intervention strategies.
“It is important that members of Innisfail's care community are able to be effective mental health first aiders,” said Oliver-McCurdie. “This presentation fits in well with supporting our mental health strategies and we are pleased to have this opportunity.”
Registration for mental health first aid training is $30 and interested caregivers can register at Innisfail FCSS by calling 403-227-7744. Refreshments will be provided but participants should bring their own lunch. Attendees will be given a certificate of completion.
