There's a new tool in helping those struggling with mental health.
St. John Ambulance's Southwestern Ontario chapter recently launched a new initiative, teaching "mental health first aid" to those who may be experiencing a mental health crisis. The program is another effort to increase awareness about mental health as well as resources for those having an issue.
Paul Joudrey, chairman of the regional St. John Ambulance chapter, tells BlackburnNewsWindsor.com that the initiative is a specialized focus delivering a timeless resource.
"We train members of the community, and we train organizations first aid, getting on the scene, assessing the scene, applying first aid so that further resources can come along and help out," says Joudrey.
St. John Ambulance is offering courses in mental health first aid in cooperation with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). Just like in physical first aid, people will learn how to understand and recognize the symptoms of someone having a mental health issue, including those related to substance abuse. They will also learn how to provide assistance to ensure the problem does not worsen, and reassure the patient until a qualified professional arrives on scene.
Joudrey says the mental health courses teach a different approach in helping a patient in distress.
"It gives people first aid skills for people who are in a state of trauma, and intervening just the same way we would for first aid," says Joudrey.
St. John Ambulance says the mental health courses are good for employers as well, and are geared toward cutting down on absenteeism and increasing productivity.
Three different mental health courses are offered, a basic one, one geared toward seniors and a third concentrating on the interaction between adults and youth. These courses, however, may not be available at all branch locations.
The SJA official website has complete information on this and all first-aid courses.