Mental Health First Aid: Training Takeaways & Reflection
by Family Councils Ontario
By Tiffany Fearon
Talking about our personal matters with our peers, family members, and co-workers is something we all do on a daily basis. It is common to find support from those in our immediate circles because we can relate to one another as we hustle and bustle within our fast paced environments we live in. We may openly vent and discuss the cost of unexpected vehicle repairs, the stress of making our work deadlines, issues our children may be having in school, and more. A topic that continues to spark a lot of attention and dialogue is the topic of mental health and wellness. The subject has garnered the attention of many people as the discussion around mental illness has become a lot more conventional in recent years. Workshops, classes, and sessions facilitated by professionals in the field on “living well” and optimizing our mental capacities can be found with the click of a button. So why are there are still so many individuals struggling with mental illness behind closed doors?
This month I had the opportunity to complete an intensive course on Basic Mental Health First Aid through St. Johns Ambulance. The course focused on an array of topics including an overview on various mental illnesses, recognizable signs and symptoms, and techniques for responding and providing assistance to those who may need it. It was an insightful two days filled with theory, practice, and open discussion on personal experiences navigating mental health. At the end of the course, I took time reflect on a few key takeaways that I wanted to share with my family, staff team, and our devoted FCO supporters.
Mental Health and Mental Illness are not the same thing!
The topic of Mental Health and Mental Illness are two different things. There are many misconceptions when the discussion of Mental Health arises. Essentially, mental health is a person’s condition with regard to their emotional and psychological well-being. Mental Health can be interpreted as being able to identify meaningful things that make us happy, having the ability to build relationships, and effectively balancing different aspects of our lives. Mental Illness in comparison refers to a collection of multiple disorders that a person can experience in their lifetime that may limit their abilities to cope with daily life. Disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety are some of the most commonly addressed. The onset of mental illness can be related to poor mental health stemming from physical, social, and environmental factors or major life changes. Although the terms are connected, it is important for us understand the difference when considering and discussing the wellness of ourselves and loved ones.
Mental Illness still continues to be the “elephant in the room” in many public and private forums.
Disclosing the status of our Mental Health and being diagnosed with a Mental Illness is a conversation that many find difficult to have. Uncertainty of support and the social stigma can be a deterrent for individuals that want to seek help. Judgment free conversations around mental health and mental illness are definitely key to proactively helping those that may be struggling in silence.
Diagnosis and treatment is different for every person coping with a Mental illness
One method is not suitable for everyone! Our instructor walked us through the many different types of mental illnesses and some of the measures used for treatment when people are diagnosed. A very important message from this section of the course material was that the effectiveness of treatment varies for everyone. Some people may benefit from prescribed medication while others may prefer individual or group counselling. Everyone’s journey to wellness can and should be customized to their personal needs.
The principles of Mental Health First Aid are useful in many different settings
I was amazed to learn about the diverse professional and personal backgrounds of the other students in the course. When we had the opportunity to go around the room and briefly speak about ourselves, it was apparent that there were many commonalities in our experiences with peers and loved ones. Despite working in different sectors, many of us wanted to learn more about Mental Health First Aid in order to better relate to our target professional audiences and personal networks. Knowing how to spot, recognize, and assist with the teachings of Mental Health First Aid proved to be a very fluid and adaptable concept.
Language Matters
One of the most significant takeaways of the course was a lesson on the power of words. Our language and rhetoric can have a great impact on the ways we interpret mental health and mental illness. A common theme in many of the videos we were shown was the stigma attached to words commonly used to describe individuals who have been diagnosed with a mental illness. Our group had a great time participating in a brainstorming activity focused on positive language that can be used in future mental health discussions.
I have certainly gained a better understanding and greater awareness of Mental Health and Mental Illness and hope to find more opportunities to become more informed and present in the global discussion. Being mindful of what our peers, family members, neighbours, and colleagues may be enduring is a great first step to becoming Mental Health First Aid advocates in our communities. Let’s get rid of the elephant in the room and start talking!