Kompass Blog

Updated December 2022

Gerontology is the study of aging and the challenges of the elderly. It spans legal and ethical concerns, common health care issues, access to community resources, and the stigma around aging that is so prevalent in our society.

And it may surprise you to know that gerontology is considered one of the biggest growth areas of the 21st century.

Businesses and organizations across industries are "gerontologizing" their products and services, positioning themselves to tap into this enormous pool of consumers.

But just how big will Canada's population of seniors get? And are we truly ready to meet their complex needs?

Take a look at three reasons gerontology training is becoming crucial for those of us who work with seniors, and why now is an excellent time to enhance your skills and knowledge through certification.

Updated January 2023

It doesn't matter what your professional background is. Whether you're a lawyer, litigator, or work outside the legal field, there is a checklist of steps to walk through before you even consider starting your own mediation practice.

Some of these steps are purely practical, while others require a bit of self-reflection.

Do you have the right training to be taken seriously as a mediator? Are you prepared for the effort needed to strike out on your own as a practice owner? Are you familiar with mediator designations recognized throughout Canada?

Take a few minutes to read through these six key steps so you can get a better understanding of what's involved in starting your own mediation practice.

Updated January 2023

A few years ago, CBC News shared new data from Statistics Canada on rising rates of depression among Canadian youth. The CBC reported that Canadians ages 15 to 24 had the highest rates of depression of any age group in the country.

Suicide is the second-leading cause of death (after accidents) among this same demographic—accounting for nearly a quarter of all deaths.

If you work with young people, you may have often wondered, is this "normal" teenage behaviour, or a symptom of something more serious?

At this age, hormonal and physical changes typically cause moodiness, short temper, and other kinds of erratic behaviour. At what point should you be concerned?

Start by watching out for these three very common signs of depression in teens.

Individually, these behaviors may not indicate a mental health issue, but in combination or with a high level of intensity and duration, they are definitely cause for serious concern.

Are you considering entering the fast-growing field of alternative dispute resolution (ADR)? From workplace conflicts to divorce proceedings to commercial contract battles, ADR is often used as an alternative to costly, time-consuming, highly stressful litigation.

Demand for qualified, talented mediators, facilitators, and arbitrators is the rise. Your first step toward a career in arbitration is a quality, introductory training program. A comprehensive arbitration certificate will give you a solid grounding in the principles and practices of arbitration, as well as hands-on experience hearing and deciding cases.

Updated January 2023

Does your work bring you into regular contact with seniors? Does your position in community services or health care involve supporting older people?

Out of all the seniors you see in a year, what percentage do you suspect suffer from poor mental health?

Data from Statistics Canada shows that more than one-third of seniors reported that their mental health had worsened during the pandemic.

And as our population ages, these numbers are expected to grow. 

This post focuses on three of the biggest mental health challenges Canadians seniors are facing right now,and offers an overview of helpful facts for anyone who works with older adults in the community.

Updated January 2023

Does your work bring you into close contact with individuals who may suffer from mental health issues? Want to equip yourself with practical mental health knowledge and skills so you can better support the well-being of others?

It sounds like you are a strong candidate for community mental health training.

And if you work full time, you're probably looking for an online course. The good news is there are plenty of options out there!

The downside is it can overwhelming to sort through all those options and find the right training for your needs.

As you compare your top choices, take some time to consider these four points.

Updated January 2023

What exactly is a concurrent disorder?

The term "concurrent" means to happen at the same time. The word "disorder" refers to a problem or illness that affects a person's body and/or mind.

Put these terms together, and you have "concurrent disorder"—a term health care professionals use to describe individuals suffering from both a mental illness and a substance abuse problem simultaneously.

Did you know that the latest data shows that 282,000 Canadian adults suffer from a concurrent disorder?

Awareness of the considerable overlap of mental health and addiction issues has sharpened the focus on concurrent disorders in our country.

If you work in a community-serving position, such as law enforcement, education, or health care, a deeper understanding of concurrent disorders can significantly improve the way you support and interact with those afflicted.

In this post, we take a look at common combinations of mental health and addiction disorders, typical symptoms, and other related factors that influence community mental health.