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Minister learns lesson in mental health
Glen Abernethy says more people could benefit from Mental Health First Aid

Elaine Anselmi
Northern News Services
Friday, May 22, 2015

SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Cabinet and members of the legislative assembly vowed to take Mental Health First Aid during the winter session and Health Minister Glen Abernethy made good on that promise starting May 12.

"There is so much to talk about and so many issues," Abernethy told Yellowknifer on day two of the three-day course.

"Mental Health First Aid is trying to give us an awareness of all of these."

The program, developed by the Mental Health Commission of Canada, trains people how to recognize signs and symptoms of someone experiencing a mental illness, provide

help up-front to that person and assistance in accessing professional help.

The course being offered at Northern United Place, which Abernethy said was full with 24 people in attendance, was specifically designed to address Northern issues.

The territory faces a number of mental health challenges. Sixty-four per cent of NWT residents rate their mental health as good or very good, while the Canadian average is 73 per cent, according to the Department of Health and Social Services. As well, suicide rates in the territory are 65 per cent higher in the territory compared to the rest of Canada.

The Northern Mental Health First Aid course was developed by the commission in consultation with the three territories. It includes a section on deliberate self-injury, and looks at the impact of remote living on the health and well-being of residents, said Abernethy.

"The course also acknowledges the historical context related to aboriginal well-being including colonization, acculturation and the intergenerational impact of residential schools," he said.

It's a course that Abernethy said more people should take.

"We can help people and I myself might be able to help a number of people one-on-one, but I'm only one person so we need other people out there doing the same thing," said Abernethy.

"I've often referred to medical first aid - people seem more willing to take something like medical first aid and if they see someone with a broken arm they're willing to jump in.

"With mental heath, there's still an awful stigma around it, there's still a lot of fear, concern and misunderstanding around mental health issues."

The training, Abernethy said, works to relieve this stigma and some of the myths around mental health issues.

The goals of the program are to intervene where people may be at risk to themselves and others, prevent mental health problems from worsening, encourage good mental health and recovery, and offer comfort to those struggling with mental health problems.

"There are multiple reasons to take it: to create awareness, to break down stigma and become part of a global team trying to combat mental health issues," Abernethy said.

"As well, being able to listen and provide direct reference to resources in your community."

Abernethy pointed out that one in five people will suffer from a mental health condition in their lifetime, with two out of three of those people not accessing the necessary services.

"There are some people out there struggling. There are lots of resources. People need to engage those resources that exist," Abernethy said.

"Is the system perfect? There's always room for improvement. There is always room to learn more and enhance as we move forward but there are lots of programs and services out there."

Several Mental Health First Aid instructors are listed in Yellowknife by the Mental Health Commission of Canada, and Abernethy encouraged all residents to take the course.

The result of more widespread understanding of mental health problems, he said, would be significant.

"I think we would be able to help those two out of three people that aren't seeking any support or assistance," Abernethy said.

"We will be breaking down the stigma and have people who are better informed to speak in a helpful way and to listen effectively and to encourage people to seek the supports that exist."

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