By Canadian Mental Health Association

Mental Health Education Program

May 25, 2020 | 8:31 AM

We all have mental health and can always do better at taking care of our mental health the same way we do our physical health. There are many ways you can improve your mental health. Some of these ways include educating yourself about mental health and mental illness, finding ways to connect with others, and reaching out for help when you are struggling. Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is one organization that can support you in all of these ways.

CMHA has a Mental Health Education Program which offer various education and support services that are not only for people with mental illness but also for people supporting others with mental illness and for those without mental illness but wanting to improve their mental health. This program is part of CMHA Alberta Southeast Region’s mandate to prevent mental illness and promote mental health.

As part of this program, we offer educational presentations to schools, colleges, agencies, businesses, organizations and the public on various topics related to mental health. Some of these topics include; stress, self-care, resiliency, understanding mental illness, and caring for others with mental illness. Other mental health topics are available upon request. These presentations are free-of-charge to organizations, schools, support groups and the public. However, a fee may apply for businesses.

We are also trained by the Mental Health Commission of Canada to provide Mental Health First Aid for Adults who Interact with Youth Workshops. This is a two-day workshop that specifically focuses on what adults can do when encountering youth aged 12 –25 who are developing a mental health issue or experiencing a mental health crisis. The topics include mental health and stigma, substance-related disorders, mood-related disorders, anxiety and trauma related disorders, eating disorders, and psychotic disorders. This workshop is offered a few times of year to the public and can also be offered privately for organizations for a cost.

CMHA also has various mental health support groups available. One of these groups is Living Life to the Full, which is offered once a week for 8 weeks. It is a mental health course designed to help people deal with everyday life challenges and learn self-management skills using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) principles. The course content and materials are practical and easily apply to everyday life situations. The course is suitable for people of all ages – from youth to seniors. You will learn to feel happier, more confident and worry less. This group is offered twice a year.

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Another group we offer is Whispers of Wellness (WOW). This is a group for people living with mental health problems. It is an open group, which means you can join at any time. WOW provides opportunities to learn more about coping with mental health problems while meeting people who have similar experiences. This group is offered once a week.

Our Caregiver Connections support group is a peer-to-peer family support group for parents and caregivers of children or young adults experiencing a mental health concern or addiction. This program offers compassionate support from a peer, who has “been there” and another CMHA staff member. Specific information and resources are shared to assist people with their care-giving while maintain their own mental health. Formal diagnosis by a doctor is not required for caregivers to attend.

Part of the Mental Health Education program is promotion of mental health. This includes setting up resource tables with pamphlets and other information at various locations throughout Medicine Hat and

area and during various events. We also organize and support events taking place for Mental Health Week and Mental Illness Awareness Week.

If you are struggling with mental health problems or supporting someone and don’t know where to turn, CMHA can help you with navigating the mental health system. We receive numerous calls and emails every day from people looking for help. If we don’t have the resources needed to support you, we will support you in finding the help you need.

For more information on the Mental Health Education Program or other programs offered please call CMHA, Alberta Southeast Region at (403)504-1811 ext. 106 or check out our website at www.cmha-aser.ca.