Workplace Mental Health Training
Mental Health First Aid (Standard)
What is Mental Health First Aid training?
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an evidence-based, certificate training program created by the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) and designed to teach individuals how to provide initial support to someone experiencing a mental health crisis or developing a mental health problem. The goal is to help individuals recognize the signs of mental health issues, offer assistance, and guide the affected person toward appropriate professional help if needed.
The 9 hour (7 hours live in class and 2 hour self-direct module) training covers a range of mental health concerns, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, psychotic disorders, and suicidal thoughts. Mental Health First Aid is not a substitute for professional mental health care but aims to empower individuals to respond effectively in the immediate situation and to connect people in crisis with appropriate help.
Why is Mental Health First Aid training in the workplace important?
The Stats
More than 1 in 3 Canadians are taking time off work as a result of mental health challenges, with over a half of those off for a month or more and the average time off being 12 days per year (Future Skills Centre, 2023). Government of Canada has claimed that 30% of all disability claims are related to mental health problems and illness, with spending reaching over 50 billion dollars per year as a result! The Government of Canada endorses the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA, 2024) training as an effective and recognized tool to support mental health in the workplace (canada.ca, 2018).
What are the Concerns MHFA Training Addresses
Mental health and substance use problems are common. 1 in 5 people in Canada are living with a mental health disorder; that’s 20% in any room - 20% in YOUR organization. Professional help is not always on hand. Individuals trained in MHFA will have the tools to provide immediate support until professionals can become involved. Members of the general public often don’t know how to respond. Many people don’t respond for fear of doing or saying the wrong thing; MHFA training gives participants the tools to respond. The ongoing stigma associated with mental health and substance use problems. Stigma creates a barrier to accessing support. Talking about it openly in your workplace decreases this barrier. Many people are not well-informed. Myths continue to be prevalent, along with the fear that those with mental health challenges are violent. Increased dialogue increases people both seeking and offering support. Research has shown the following benefits of a psychologically healthy workplace (i.e., one which promotes mental well-being): increased engagement, productivity, morale, satisfaction, retention and recruitment; along with decreases in absenteeism, grievances, health costs, medical leave/disability and workplace injuries (Government of Canada, 2024).
What Employers Can Do
The top contributor to mental health well-being of employees is employer support through the use of mental health initiatives (like MHFA) to assess and address the impact of mental health in the workplace. Research has shown the following benefits of a psychologically healthy workplace (i.e., one which promotes mental well-being): increased engagement, productivity, morale, satisfaction, retention and recruitment; along with decreases in absenteeism, grievances, health costs, medical leave/disability and workplace injuries (Government of Canada, 2024).
What are the Benefits of Mental Health First Aid Training?
The ways that it will benefit my company and employees.
Understanding Mental Health
Participants learn about various mental health disorders, their signs, symptoms, and the prevalence of mental health struggles; resulting in increased confidence.
Developing Mental Health Literacy
The training provides information to reduce stigma and increase understanding of mental health, fostering supportive environments and increased well-being.
Recognizing
Warning Signs
Participants are taught to identify signs of mental health distress and substance use problems or crises in others as well as themselves.
Cost Savings for Employers
Research on the implementation of MHFA trainings have shown a significant impact on mental health disability rates, healthcare cost savings, and increased EAP referrals.
Case Studies Show Positive Benefit
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The cost savings for companies has shown to be enormous and feedback from employees is incredibly positive. Click here to learn more about the impact MHFA has had on workplaces in Canada!
Reducing Stigma in the Workplace
With an increased understanding of mental health and substance use disorders, and strategies to support, stigma decreases significantly, enhancing emotional safety in the workplace.
Providing Initial Support
Intervention strategies are taught in order to offer initial assistance to someone experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, as well as where to access support.
Guiding Others to Seek Help
The training emphasizes the importance of encouraging the affected person to seek professional help and provides information on available resources and services.
Promoting Self-care and Support Strategies
Participants learn how to support individuals in developing their coping strategies and seek appropriate help while increasing their own well-being and self-care.
Trusted and Implemented by these INDUSTRY LEADERS
(Info taken from the Opening Minds website):
At Will Therapy Services....
WE HAVE Extensive
TRAINING IN
MENTAL HEALTH
WE COME TO YOU
AND PROVIDE TRAINING
On-Site!!
WE Tailor
Training TO THE INDIVIDUAL COMPANY NEEDS
WE Offer THE TRAINING IN PERSON AND VIRTUALLY ACROSS ONTARIO
OUR Trainers ARE DOWN TO EARTH AND PASSIONATE ABOUT HELPING OTHERS
Small Group SIZES ALLOW FOR MORE ONE ON ONE LEARNING AND SUPPORT
What makes Will Therapy Services stand out from other organizations?
Many services and supports have moved to being strictly virtual over the last few years. We recognize the impact that face-to-face, in-person training, has on learning and retention of information, as well as engagement of our participants. As such, we're committed to providing in-person training on-site, at any location within Waterloo Region and surrounding areas, as well in person outside the region on a case by case basis. For those locations who find the convenience of virtual training more feasible, we're happy to adapt to your needs and provide exceptional services, regardless of the delivery format.
Our facilitators have decades of hands-on experience working with complex mental health needs and are incredibly passionate about learning, teaching and help others. They are incredibly down-to-earth and approachable, making the training experience relaxed and enjoyable. We’ll have you fill out a survey ahead of time outlining your company’s specific areas of need, in order to tailor the training to the audience we are training, as much as possible. Group sizes are kept small in order to ensure there is ample one-on-one support throughout the training.
In Summary, WHY IS MENTAL HEALTH TRAINING SO IMPORTANT IN THE WORKPLACE?
Industries We Support
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
In professional industries such as finance and insurance , Mental Health First Aid training is important. By equipping staff with the skills to identify signs of distress, offer support, and connect colleagues to appropriate resources, this proactive approach fosters a supportive workplace. The improvements in employee well-being can contribute to a healthier and more productive work environment.
TECHNOLOGY and MANUFACTURING
In the fast-paced and high-pressure environments of these industries, prioritizing the mental well-being of employees is crucial. Training employees in mental health first aid equips them with the skills to recognize and respond to mental health challenges. This proactive approach not only enhances employee well-being but also contributes to increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, and improved team dynamics.
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
Educational institutions, being environments with diverse sets of stressors, greatly benefit from Mental Health First Aid training. By equipping staff with the ability to recognize early signs of mental health concerns in students, offer appropriate support, and contribute to a more supportive learning environment, this training becomes instrumental in promoting a holistic approach to well-being within the educational community.