My Mental Health First Aid Certificate - Mental Health & Wellbeing Matters

Mental Health & Wellbeing Matters

I recently graduated with a certificate in Mental Health First Aid. An intensive month-long course to understand and manage the first interaction with people who may have a mental health issue.

I am very proud of this certification. Mental health issues are an equal opportunity offendor regardless of income or status. Through targeted training, people can be guided to develop a better inner awareness of their own mental states and to have a better understanding of the mental states of others.

My classmates came from various backgrounds in the Queen West, Toronto neighbourhood. We met through Zoom along with Nicole Roy from Timmins, Ontario. Nichole was lively and cheerful despite the challenging subject matter. 

Throughout the weeks we learned to apply empathy, active listening and respect to real-life scenarios. Discussing and learning various communications techniques in a safe and supportive environment.

ALGEE Action Plan

We learned the  'ALGEE' action plan which is to approach, assess and assist with any crisis - the risk of suicide or harm and look for signs of trauma and high anxiety. Listening to the person in a non-judgement way. Give the person reassurance, support and information. Encourage the person to seek appropriate professional help.

Consent

  • Consent is a very important part of the ALGEE method.

  • Consent to enter someone’s personal space.

  • Consent to touch, even if it’s a soft touch on the shoulder, you still need to ask permission to touch them.

  • Consent to ask questions about their concerns.

In this way, a person feels respected.

Safer Language & The New Vocabulary

There is a new vocabulary that replaces words and stigma used to describe mental health.

This new language is more respectful. Here are just a few examples that we use in our everyday language: (See attached chart for the full list.) Remember that this is a living document and subject to change.

  • Stigmatizing -  It drives me crazy. Respectful - It bothers/annoys/frustrate me.

  • Stigmatising - This is nuts. Respectful – This is interesting/strange/peculiar/funny.

You’re Bananas

A friend of mine in the government introduced me to the ‘banana’. Replacing vernacular with something like ‘this situation is bananas’ is less stigmatizing and becomes more impactful because it’s so unexpected. Bananas are not associated with any gender or group. Since it’s a fruit it won’t be offended and you can dress it up to be as emphatic as you’d like it to be. Such as “This situation is a banana split with a cherry on top.” Using this expression brings a smile and giggle to any tense situation which is automatically diffused.

You Never Know

You never know when you’re going to have a situation when you’ll need to use the ALGEE techniques. And you never know when your actions can #BeTheDifference in someone’s life.

What you learn in Mental Health First Aid will fit into your everyday life and will enrich it. It helps you in the roles you already play in people’s lives: to be a better, more prepared parent, friend, colleague, teacher. Whatever role you play in someone else’s life, Mental Health First Aid will help you do a better job of helping someone in need.

 I am very proud to have earned my Mental Health First Aid Certificate. 

 It was time well spent.

Important Phone Numbers

  • Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868 

  • Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645 

  • First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line: 1-855-242-3310 

  • Canada Drug Rehab Addiction Services Directory: 1-877-746-1963 

  • National Eating Disorder Information Centre: 1-866-633-4220 

Note:

This post is meant to share an experience and to educate. Please consult your healthcare practitioner for specific advice for your personal and specific situation.