Mental Health for Emergency Responders

Issues relating to Addictions and Mental Health are highly prevalent in Canadian Society. One in five Canadians will experience a mental illness in their lifetime. The remaining four will have a friend, family member or colleague who will. One in ten Canadians fifteen years of age and over report symptoms consistent with alcohol or illicit drug dependence. About 20% of people with a mental disorder have a co-occurring substance use problem. As first responders it is critical to possess knowledge, understanding and empathy about these topics. This course will address issues relating to the development of addictions, effects, signs and symptoms and response. As well as seeking to provide a greater understanding to the differences between Mental Health, Mental Illness and Mental Disorders. Finally the course will familiarize students with concurrent disorders, a term used when a person has both a substance related disorder and a mental health disorder as it is common for someone to have both conditions, for a number of reasons.