Learn about mental health, mental illness, and the nature and dynamics of stigma. See also Psychosocial Factors.
“Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. It is an integral component of health and well-being that underpins our individual and collective abilities to make decisions, build relationships and shape the world we live in…. Mental health is more than the absence of mental disorders. It exists on a complex continuum, which is experienced differently from one person to the next….”
— World Health Organization
Mental health education programs are available from the Canadian Mental Health Association, Mental Health Commission of Canada, and others. Sign up for online courses and/or connect with your local mental health service provider to find out what in-person training is available in your community. See also training programs on specific topics, including suicide prevention.
Mental Health Commission of Canada
The Working Mind Healthcare
The Working Mind Healthcare provides workers in the healthcare industry with the tools to promote mental health in the workplace while also reducing the stigma of mental illness. This evidence-informed program was developed by the Mental Health Commission of Canada, in collaboration with mental health experts and healthcare professionals.
Mental Health First Aid
MHFA is the help provided to a person developing a mental health problem, experiencing a mental health crisis, or a worsening of their mental health.
Mental Health Innovations
WeCARE eLearning Course
Many of us know someone who struggles with mental health challenges. In this course you’ll learn how to show you care, ask R U OK?, and guide a distressed teammate to seek professional support. The WeCARE program equips you with tangible tools and skills to support others in the workplace in order to stop little problems from getting bigger.
The course takes less than 40 minutes to complete, and includes a comprehensive resource toolkit with a guidebook, posters, fact sheets and checklists.
Canadian Mental Health Association
Your Health Space
CMHA Ontario offers free facilitated and self-directed training for three healthcare audiences: leaders, frontline workers, and nonclinical support staff. Topics include: managing stress, burnout recovery, compassion fatigue, mindfulness, and more.
Workplace Mental Health
CMHA National offers customized workplace training on a range of mental health topics, psychological health and safety training, and the Not Myself Today program.
Recovery Colleges
Recovery Colleges, based on a successful community mental health model from the UK, are focused on personal recovery in mental health and well-being. Recovery Colleges provide an innovative learning space where anyone can access free courses, webinars, workshops, and events to learn, gain new skills, and connect with others in their community.
Wellness Together Canada
Self-Guided eCourses
Wellness Together Canada provides free resources for mental health and substance use support, including access to online courses, articles, videos and more.