Burnaby to offer mental health first aid course

Just as a regular first aid course teaches the public what to do in case of a physical health emergency, a Burnaby course will teach what to do if the emergency concerns a person’s mental health.

The mental health first aid course will equip those who participate with skills they can use to help someone who is currently experiencing a mental health crisis, and their care and concern may even save a life. Those who participate will learn what to do in an emergency situation until professional help can be obtained.

The participants will learn about a variety of mental health issues, including mood and anxiety disorders, eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia, self-harm, psychotic disorders and other concerns. They be taught what to do in case of an overdose, acute stress reaction, suicidal behavior or a panic attack.

According to the organizers, the course information was developed using evidence-based methods, and these indicate that the techniques taught have been shown to be highly effective. Graphic design can be utilized by a printer to craft certificates of completion and other materials for an educational event such as this.

The course will be taught starting on December 14, and will run for two days. The registration fee starts at $236 each, and more details can be found on the Burnaby Counseling group’s website.