Mental Health Literacy Training at the University of Waterloo Sept 13, 2018 Jennifer McCorriston Associate Director, Health Promotion Campus Wellness jennifer.mccorriston@uwaterloo.ca

What is Mental Health Literacy? Mental health literacy is defined as knowledge and beliefs about mental health that aid in recognition, management and prevention (Jorm, 2012). Understanding about how to obtain and maintain good mental health for yourself and others Recognizing signs and symptoms of declining mental health and/or distress Understanding help-seeking options, available resources and services, and the referral process Understanding effective self-care and self-help strategies Understanding how to support others who are experiencing a mental health problem or concern* *these may include skills such as active listening, de-escalation, empathy, conflict resolution Jorm, AF. April 2012. Mental Health Literacy: Empowering the community to take action for better mental health. American Psychologist. Available from:http://psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/2011-24866-001.pdf

Why are we exploring mental health literacy at UW? Winter 2018 evaluation & situational assessment was completed by MPH student: Not sure where key groups are going for training Confusion about which trainings to take, how they may be different More experiential learning Practical skills such as active listening, conflict management, empathy and de- escalation. PAC SMH recommendation #22 Implement a comprehensive education and training strategy to increase mental health literacy among students, staff and faculty. Create situational mental health training based on role and/or faculty and make it available to all.

Next steps…… GOAL: The University of Waterloo has an accessible, proactive and comprehensive training strategy that will help to increase mental health literacy among students, staff and faculty. APPROACH: 1) Determine what is currently being offered on campus (environmental scan). 2) Utilize evidence and stakeholder feedback to develop the strategy (motivators/barriers to attend training). 3) Define roles across campus and match knowledge, skills and abilities needed to these roles. 4) Determine the best training options for these roles: content, design, methods of delivery and which stakeholders may be most appropriate to deliver. 6) Determine how to create a sustainable training strategy, which includes promotion and follow-up.  

Who is doing Mental Health Literacy Training on Campus? Campus Wellness – Counselling Services MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS: More Feet on the Ground – online & in-person SUICIDE PREVENTION: Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) SafeTalk Campus Wellness – Occupational Health Mindful Employer (with OHD) Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace (with OHD) Pilot resiliency training program (with OHD) Lunch and learns Workshops (on request)

Who is doing Mental Health Literacy Training on Campus? Student Success Office (SSO) Peer Mentorship Training Peer Success Coach training Orientation Training Mental Health First Aid (for staff/faculty in advising roles [academic advisors and grad coordinators]) Organizational & Human Development (OHD) Mindful Employer Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace Pilot resiliency training program Staff conference – speakers on mental health Core Workshops & Leadership workshops (wellness)

Who is doing Mental Health Literacy Training on Campus? Centre of Teaching Excellence (CTE) Workshops: Course design and instructional strategies that support students' mental wellbeing (offered on a request basis) TA Training Manual: Supporting Students' Mental Wellbeing (section 7) Teaching Tip Sheets: Supporting Students' Mental Wellbeing: Course Design Supporting Students' Mental Wellbeing: Teaching Strategies Academic Leadership Others?

We want to hear from you! PRESENTATION TITLE

Looking at the current definition of mental health literacy, which areas do you feel you have the appropriate levels of knowledge and skill?

What additional mental health literacy knowledge and skills do you feel you and your colleagues need to further develop?

If you have attended some form of mental health literacy training, why did you to attend?

What are your barriers to attending training to build additional knowledge and skills in mental health literacy?

Who else should we talk to?

Questions? jennifer.mccorriston@uwaterlo.ca