Kirsten Gardner, deputy mayor for South Dundas, teaches a Mental Health First Aid course for the Mental Health Commission of Canada. In this interview, she tells us what motivates her as a mental health ambassador, what comes as the biggest surprise to those who take the course, and why courageous conversations are more important now than ever.
What is mental health first aid?
People are already familiar with physical first aid and CPR. If you fall down the stairs and break your arm, there are things that can be done to help you while you wait to see a doctor. Of course, physical first aid doesn’t replace professional help—but it can keep you safe while you wait. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a similar concept. People who take the course are trained to support others who are suffering from a mental health decline or crisis. One of the most important parts of the training is breaking the stigmas around mental health.
When did you get your training in MFHA?
In 2017, I was working for the provincial government as a senior manager. The Ontario public service at the time had a big focus on mental health and they wanted instructors to support the mental health needs of staff. After filling out a fairly rigorous questionnaire, I was one of the ten individuals that the Mental Health Commission of Canada accepted into the instructor course. Since then, I’ve left the government but I continue to teach the course privately.
What was it that prompted you to take the course?
I’ve had people I love that have lived with mental health conditions and I’ve seen what happens when people don’t get help. Also, I ran a program at TR Leger in Cornwall and a lot of my students had different mental health concerns. And I was a victim service responder for five years. My life taught me that there are so many factors in mental health: addiction, depression, loss, and so on.
What did you learn?
I was surprised how many of the stigmas people really took to heart. I wrongfully assumed that as a society we were more aware than we actually are. Unfortunately people still really stigmatize mental health. People talk about “those people.” Actually, mental health applies to everybody.
When I teach the course, there are always “AHA!” moments. You can see a lightbulb going off and people say, “I never thought of that way” or “Now I understand why my grandmother struggled”. The biggest light bulb, however, is always when we talk about suicidal ideation. Courageous and direct conversations with those who are feeling suicidal help rather than harm—this is a new idea for many.
There is still an old idea that if you talk to someone who is feeling suicidal that you will trigger them. That is the opposite of what needs to happen when someone is in crisis.
What was involved in becoming an instructor?
It was an intensive, five-day course in Toronto. First, we went through the two-day course and became certified in mental health first aid. Then we learned how to teach the course. The last day, we all had to present parts of the training. There is very specific language around this subject and we practised using it. You either got a rating that you could train on your own or you could partner up with a more seasoned instructor.
Who do you train?
I train everyone from college students to assistant deputy ministers. There are different levels of MHFA to fill different needs. For example, there are specialized courses for police, veterans, seniors, and Inuit communities. The core of the MHFA is the same but there are add-on training modules to customize the course to meet specific needs. Personally, my plan is to up my training dealing with youth in facilities.
Why is it important that more people take this course?
You could save a life. There is still an old idea that if you talk to someone who is feeling suicidal that you will trigger them. That is the opposite of what needs to happen when someone is in crisis. We need to have courageous conversations and get over our fear to actually start talking. This course helps us understand how language matters. We learn how powerful active listening can be—and how to exercise our listening muscles. It also changes how we view mental health: Is someone a schizophrenic? Or are they living with schizophrenia?
Can you tell me about how the pandemic is affecting mental health?
The biggest protective factors against suicide are hope and optimism. The isolation we’re all dealing with is stripping some of that. For myself, some childhood trauma bubbled up during the pandemic. I thought I had dealt with it but after a few weeks, I knew I needed support. So I connected with a wonderful counsellor for a few intensive counselling sessions and she was very helpful. I’m not the same person I was a year ago. So once the pandemic is over, I will teach the MHFA course in the same way but I will add some more experiences.
How can people sign up for the course?
Check out the course section of the MHFA website. There are only a couple instructors in this region and the classes fill up quickly. Some instructors are also hosting online classes. For myself, I’m waiting to host the in-class experience because I find it so valuable. Part of the magic of the course is what happens when folks around the table share their stories.
Mental Health Crisis Line: Individuals, families, or concerned friends (over the age of 16) can call the Mental Health Crisis Line toll-free at 1-866-996-0991. The volunteer will offer support and, if required, can make a direct transfer to the Mobile Crisis Team.
Children and youth: Call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868 to contact Kids Help Phone. Kids Help Phone can also help you find public resources, services, and support for children and youth based on your location.
For help connecting with the right public mental health and addictions program or support across Ontario, contact ConnexOntario – available 24/7:
• Call 1-866-531-2600 (toll-free)
• Use the online chat (in English only)
• Visit the ConnexOntario website
