Beyond the bandage: First-aid course offered for mental illness

When people think of first-aid courses, they often think of CPR or bandages.

But a different kind first-aid course is being offered in Cape Egmont this month one that will help people with mental health issues.

• Student mental health wait times on P.E.I. 'good' say counsellors

• Charlottetown symposium to examine youth mental health

"If somebody breaks a leg we know we call 911 and the ambulance comes, but when it comes to mental health it's a little bit harder to recognize the signs and the symptoms and to really know what to do," said Colette Arsenault, who is putting on the course through the PEI French Health Network.

If somebody breaks a leg we know we call 911 and the ambulance comes, but when it comes to mental health it's a little bit harder. Colette Arsenault

The goal isn't to train people to become therapists, she said, but rather shows them how to recognize the symptoms of mental health problems such as anxiety, depression or substance abuse and learn what kind of professional help might be needed.

The 12-hour course includes videos, role playing and discussion. Learning to listen is important in recognizing signs of mental health, Arsenault said in an interview on CBC Radio'sMainstreet.

'Really have to listen'

"I've had people tell me in the past I have everything I need, I have a good home, I have good children, I'm just not happy, I don't know what's wrong And people will say well you have nothing to complain about," she said.

"So you really have to be careful and really have to listen if there's an underlying problem there."

The mental health first-aid course is being offered Nov 3, 10 and 19 at the Centre Goeland in Cape Egmont. Arsenault said it's for anyone who may be experiencing mental health problems, or anyone who wants to learn how they can help.

Stigma continues

There is still a stigma associated with mental health, she said, and the more people are informed and involved, the better.

"Mental health is a problem and we have to do something to help the people, be it a family member, a neighbour or a colleague at work."

To register for the course, call 902-854-7444.

• MORE P.E.I. NEWS | How Gord Downie's Secret Path could become part of P.E.I. reconciliation curriculum
• MORE P.E.I. NEWS | Let them eat fries: Food truck owners want to operate year round