Kompass Blog

Updated December 2025

Mood disorders are the most common kind of mental illness. They impact people of all ages, from children to seniors—and in many cases, go undiagnosed and untreated.

If you're in a community-serving career, it is very likely that you've encountered people suffering from mood disorders.

In 2022, 11.4 per cent of Canadians were diagnosed with mood disorders, up from 9.6 per cent the previous year. And some estimates suggest at least 21% of the U.S. population is dealing with this category of mental illness.

Early diagnosis and intervention are absolutely crucial—and that begins with mental health training and awareness.

What are the most common kinds of mood disorders, and what symptoms should you be aware of? Let's get started.

Updated December 2025

There's no doubt about it. We are in the midst of an aging phenomenon. Statistics Canada says seniors 65+ made up 19 per cent of the population in 2023. And that number is expected to jump to 23 per cent by 2030.

People across occupations are feeling these challenges. From health care to social services to law enforcement—we need better strategies to respond to the unique needs of our aging community members.

For many, this means seeking out gerontology training and certification to develop a deeper understanding of the impacts of aging—psychologically, physically, financially, and socially.

If your work puts you in close contact with seniors, you may be considering a gerontology certificate to strengthen your skills and do your job more effectively.

What will you gain from a quality introduction to gerontology? These are four practical takeaways you can expect a solid program to deliver.

Updated December 2025

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 December 2025

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 behaviours 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.

Updated December 2025

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?

In a 2025 study, 67.5 per cent of older adults reported concerns about their mental health and well-being.

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

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

Updated December 2025

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 that 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.