Mental health first aid (MHFA) is the help provided to a person developing a mental health problem or in a mental health crisis. The first aid is given until appropriate professional treatment is received or until the crisis is resolved.

Mental Health First Aid Basic is a 12-hour course focused on adults interacting with adults in all environments. The course discusses the following mental disorders:

• Substance related disorders
• Mood related disorders
• Anxiety and trauma related disorders
• Psychotic disorders

Crisis first aid skills for the following situations are learned:

• Substance overdose
• Suicidal behaviour
• Panic attack
• Acute stress reaction
• Psychotic episode

Course outline

Session One: Mental Health and Mental Health Problems

• What is Mental Health First Aid?
• Common mental health problems
• Five basic actions of mental health first aid
• Stigma and discrimination?
• What is a substance-related disorder?
• Signs and symptoms
• Risk factors
• MHFA for substance-related problems
• Crisis first aid for overdose
• Treatment and resources

Session Two: Mood Disorders

• What is a mood disorder?
• Types of mood disorders
• Signs and symptoms
• Risk factors
• Substance use and mood disorders
• Suicide in Canada
• MHFA for mood problems
• Crisis first aid for suicidal behaviour
• Treatment and resources

Session Three: Anxiety and Trauma Related Disorders

• What are anxiety and trauma related disorders?
• Types of anxiety and trauma related disorders
• Signs and symptoms
• Risk factors
• Substance use and anxiety disorders
• MHFA for anxiety and trauma related problems
• Crisis first aid for panic attacks
• Crisis first aid for acute stress reactions
• Treatment and resources

Session Four: Psychotic Disorders

• What is a psychotic disorder?
• Types of psychotic disorders
• Signs and symptoms
• Risk factors
• Substance use and psychotic disorders
• MHFA for anxiety problems
• Crisis first aid for psychotic episodes