OPEN MIND: MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS FOR FRONTLINE PROFESSIONALS

Starting September 19th

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Traumatic experiences can have pervasive and enduring effects on first responders, healthcare professionals, and other public service personnel. A specific challenge faced by many is being able to attribute the manifestation of trauma symptoms to the event(s) they experience. Indeed, there is also the consideration of types and impact of trauma.

The profound effects of trauma on the brain are explored. The purpose is to provide individuals with a context to understand symptoms and potential changes in day-to-day functioning. Finally, the course concludes with a consideration of neuroplasticity. If the brain changes in response to trauma, then the brain can adapt and heal with interventions.

This course provides an overview of trauma, how it might be defined and understood. The possible effects of trauma are discussed in lecture materials and other media to help integrate the material. Participants are invited to draw from professional experiences.

Starting October 9th

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Mental health and wellness is something that impacts us all, especially our first responders, health care professionals, and all others who work on the frontlines. It is for this reason that we must commit to better understanding the importance of healthy and safe work and living environments in order to make mental health healthier.

This course is intended to help participants gain a better understanding of mental health and the stigma that surrounds mental health challenges, explain why it is important to create a culture of health and wellbeing, recognize the signs, symptoms and risk factors of mental health challenges, and develop effective tools to help better manage mental health.

Coming November 2023

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First responders, public service personnel, and healthcare professionals work with individuals who are in crisis, which can result in putting their own mental health and wellbeing in jeopardy. They are often the first to respond to challenging situations; they are individuals who often are faced with highly stressful and risky working conditions; and they work in high pace jobs. All these factors can result in them not being okay.

Although many may have received training in managing these different crisis situations, you are never really taught how to navigate your emotions and wellness mindset, or how to deal with the harsh criticism of not being okay. Gone are the days of “suck it up” or “you knew what you were getting into.” It’s time to better understand that sometimes you might not be okay, and that is okay.

This course will focus on better understanding that breaking point of when you might not be okay, and that is okay; learn how to build sustainability both on the job and at home; understand that asking for help is not a sign of weakness; and learn how to create a good wellness plan of support and resources, which is essential to being able to cope with the challenges of this work.