Kompass Blog

The field of gerontology has changed so much over the last few decades. And with population trends shifting toward an increasing proportion of older people, the study of aging has become more important than ever.

People are living longer. But longer lives are not necessarily healthier lives.

Seniors need specific kinds of care and support to ensure good quality of life. With public healthcare systems stretched to the limit, and shortages of people with gerontology training, we’re facing serious challenges in this area.

Do you work with seniors? Want to know more about the aging process, challenges facing today’s seniors, and practical methods for ensuring safe, effective care?

That’s what we teach students in our online gerontology certificate. This week, we sat down with instructor Mickey Daye to learn more about his background, what topics and skills are covered in the course, and who the training is geared toward.

Here are the highlights of that conversation.

If you’re a manager or administrator in an area like health care, law enforcement, human resources, or education, your team members are likely interacting with mentally ill individuals every day—even if they don’t always realize it.

Unfortunately, many people don’t know the signs of mental illness and aren’t sure how to respond when they encounter someone struggling with it.

Mental health training in the workplace teaches employees to recognize and understand common mental health conditions. This can be valuable for anyone, but it’s especially important for community-serving employees who frequently deal with individuals with mental health challenges in the course of their work. That includes healthcare providers, teachers, police officers, librarians, and HR professionals.

Keep reading to learn more about the importance of mental health training in the workplace and how it can benefit your team.

Updated December 2022

Canada is in the midst of a mental health crisis. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, 20 per cent of Canadians will personally experience a mental health problem or illness this year.By age 40, half the population will have, or have had, a mental illness. 

Never has demand been higher for skilled mental health counselors, clinicians, advocates, and organizers. We need support at every level, from grassroots community mental health organizations to policymakers and clinical practitioners. 

Are you considering a career in community mental health? Wondering what your job options are, or what training you need to get started? 

Explore some common community mental health careers. Compare roles, learn about educational requirements, and which skills you'll need to succeed in this field.

Updated January 2023

It could easily be argued that absolutely everyone can benefit from a quality mental health education course.

With skyrocketing rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide across the globe, it seems obvious that mental health education and resources should be a top priority for us all. 

However, until that day comes, it makes sense to support our first line of defense. We’re talking about front-line professionals who deal closely with the public every single day. 

Health care providers are an obvious part of this group, but there are many other occupations that involve working with and supporting groups of people. Educators, social workers, and HR professionals, to name a few.

Any position that involves helping, treating, teaching, coaching, managing, and motivating others can overlap with the domain of mental health. 

Curious about who takes our Mental Health & Addictions course, or if you could benefit from it yourself? Here's a look at the professions our students come from and why they take this training.

Updated January 2023

Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health issues on the planet.

There are some truly staggering statistics on how many people are suffering from these conditions, and how few receive appropriate care. 

In the United States alone, an estimated 18 per cent of the population—40 million people—have some form of anxiety. But only 10 per cent of those people will receive proper, effective treatment for anxiety. 

It’s a similar story with depression. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that close to 300 million people worldwide suffer from depression. In some countries, fewer than 25 per cent get any kind of treatment. 

Which brings us to the topic of today’s post: debunking harmful myths around anxiety and depression.

These myths perpetuate the cycle of ignorance and shame and create major barriers to improved mental health in our communities.

Updated January 2023

Although strides have been made to raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental illness, the issue remains shrouded in shame and secrecy.

Research clearly shows that millions of people across the globe are suffering from poor mental health. Yet health care providers and front-line community workers still lack training in how to identify and assist those in need.

And despite the prevalence of mental illness, there is a wide array of poisonous myths regarding the nature of mental health disorders—and the people who are afflicted by them.

Do you have questions about which mental illnesses are most common, their key characteristics, and treatment options?

If you work closely with the public, there is little doubt that you have encountered people suffering from one (or more) of the following five mental health issues.

This list isn't definitive, but it offers a good summary of attributes, statistics, and warning signs associated with these very common mental illnesses.

Updated December 2022

Updated January 2023

If you work in a community-serving role, you've probably faced situations where you suspected someone was suffering from poor mental health—but you weren't sure what questions to ask or how to intervene.

What signals should you be looking for? When do you take action? What are some clear, universal signs that someone is at-risk and needs support?

These questions are particularly salient for people who work with youth and young adults.

Early intervention can help reduce the severity of a mental illness, and in some cases, delay or prevent its development altogether. Mental health training and awareness are key.

Obviously, a complete mental health assessment is required to make an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

But as a first step, community-serving professionals can be on alert for symptoms, encourage open discussions, and identify where an assessment and further support may be needed.

These are five of the most common signs of poor mental health. One symptom alone may not indicate a serious problem, but combined, they signal a clear call for help.

Updated December 2022

Caring effectively and compassionately for seniors is an issue that touches every single one of us. Either we have a loved one who needs care, or we ourselves are facing the facts of growing old.

With populations of seniors skyrocketing across the globe, elder care is one of the most important health care and policy issues of our time. Demand is high for gerontology professionals, particularly front-line people who give direct support to aging community members.

But working in this field comes with a very special set of challenges. Older patients have unique needs—needs that often go unnoticed by health care providers and unfulfilled by local resources.

Working closely with the elderly can be incredibly rewarding, but you will need to develop a special skillset to succeed in this career. Take a look at some of the top challenges facing today's senior caregivers, and how gerontology training can help.

Updated January 2023

What's the biggest barrier to understanding, compassion, and progress on any issue? Lack of awareness, misinformation, and a closed mind.

Nowhere is this more true (and more damaging) than in the domain of mental illness.

Mental illness is one of the most misunderstood issues on the planet. And despite recent, major pushes to generate awareness and reduce stigma, mental health issues remain shrouded in secrecy, shame, and confusion.

Ironically, mental illness touches every one of us. In any given year, 20 per cent of Canadians will experience a mental health problem. And by age 40, half of the population will have—or have had—a mental illness (Canadian Mental Health Association).

So why is it so hard for many people to grasp the realities of mental illness? False beliefs and lack of community mental health training are the major culprits. 

Let's take a look at five of the most persistent and toxic mental health myths still going strong today.