The Mental Health Commission of Canada is asking Canadians to make a mental health first aid course part of their new year’s resolution.
The course has the same purpose as traditional first aid – to save lives – and more than 47,000 Canadians have taken the training.
Nearly two million Canadians have a diagnosed mental disorder and another 1.6 million have a mental disorder that is undiagnosed.
Mental health first aid teaches participants how to provide initial help for someone developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis.
Participants learn about specific problems including signs and symptoms, risk factors and how to assist the individual in finding professional help.
A basic training course is offered as well as a course for people who interact with youth.
To find a course, please go to www.mentalhealthfirstaid.ca.