Mental Health First Aid for the Deaf Community

Course Materials

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Course Overview

The Mental Health Commission of Canada reports that one in every five Canadians experiences a mental health problem or illness within a given year.

While people often know a lot about physical illness, most people have less knowledge about mental health or substance use (MHSU) problems. This lack of understanding often leads to fear and negative attitudes towards individuals living with these problems. It prevents people from seeking help for themselves and from providing appropriate support to people around them.

Previous studies indicate that the Deaf population may be diagnosed more often with some types of mental health problems than others. However, it has been noted that the research on the mental health of the Deaf population lags far behind that of their hearing counterparts.

Course Objectives

This course was adapted for the Deaf community and is aimed at people who interact with members of the Deaf community, on a personal or professional level.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is the support provided to a Deaf person who may be experiencing a decline in their mental well-being or a mental health crisis.

Participants will learn how to…

Recognize signs that a Deaf person may be experiencing a decline in their mental well-being and/or a mental health or substance use crisis
Have conversations that encourage a Deaf person to:
- Express their thoughts and feelings about declining mental well-being
- Explore professional and other supports that could help with recovery to improved mental well-being/li>
- Reach out to these supports
Assist a Deaf person in a mental health and/or substance use crisis situation
Use MHFA actions to support your own mental well-being.