By Brandon Graziano

Mental health first aid training coming to P.A.

Oct 8, 2017 | 9:41 AM

A first aid program for mental health is coming to Prince Albert.

Chelsey Zelizney with Bridges Health who runs the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) in the workplace program, says it’s to help employers and employees notice and address mental health issues within the workplace.

“What participants learn as mental health ‘first aiders’ is if you’re ever faced with a mental health problem or concern, is how you would be able to conversate with somebody and look for warning signs,” she said.

The program, according to the Bridges Health website, is similar to how physical first aid is administered to an injured person prior to medical treatment. MHFA is given until appropriate treatment can be found or the crisis is resolved.

Zelizney said recognizing the signs of mental health problems and knowing how to address a crisis, are crucial skills to have in the workplace when there’s a sombre or even a sort of minor difference for a co-worker.

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“When we see that change, engage and ask that person what’s different for them. Just going off of noticing things such as being different from normal or ‘hey, you haven’t been engaging in our social group as usual’ and getting them to help you understand why that is and avoiding the awkwardness of asking about a mental health issue,” she added. “It helps a lot.”

The program began in 2007 and Zelizney said it is a growing program in a needed time.

“We’re definitely working towards increasing literacy when it comes to mental health and awareness and getting more people trained in things like mental health first aid,” she said.

Companies can register online for the two-day program to be held October 16 and 17 at the Prince Albert Inn.

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