Champions team takes Mental Health First Aid Certification

In September the entire Champions team became certified in Mental Health First Aid with the Mental Health Commission of Canada. The 2 day workshop covered mental health conditions such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders and crisis situations such as panic attacks, suicidal behaviour and reactions to traumatic events. 

Facilitated by Amanda Osborne, who is the Associate Director for The Organization for Bipolar Affective Disorders (OBAD) the team was led through these topics with practical examples and role playing scenarios that will help them better serve Champions clients who are affected by mental illnesses. Champions was happy to partner with the Learning Disabilities Association for these workshops and wishes to thank the Muttart Foundation for sponsoring the delivery of these workshops. 

The next workshop will be on November 28 and 29, 2013 at The Kahanoff Centre, Calgary. Please email Amanda Osborne for more details or visit the OBAD website.

Fast Facts about Mental Illness (from the Canadian Mental Health Association)

Who is affected?

• Mental illness indirectly affects all Canadians at some time through a family member, friend or colleague.
•  20% of Canadians will personally experience a mental illness in their lifetime.
•  Anxiety disorders affect 5% of the household population, causing mild to severe impairment.
•  Almost one half (49%) of those who feel they have suffered from depression or anxiety have never gone to see a doctor about this problem.
• Stigma or discrimination attached to mental illnesses presents a serious barrier, not only to diagnosis and treatment but also to acceptance in the community.
• The economic cost of mental illnesses in Canada for the health care system was estimated to be at least $7.9 billion in 1998 – $4.7 billion in care, and $3.2 billion in disability and early death.
• An additional $6.3 billion was spent on uninsured mental health services and time off work for depression and distress that was not treated by the health care system.