Mental Health Advocacy

Educate and Inspire With World Renowned Keynote Speaker, Humanitarian and Mental Health First Aid Instructor Debbie Bodkin
Now offering VIRTUAL Keynotes for Zoom Meetings; and Online Mental Health Training and Certification

Knowledge is Power

"Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always."

Brad Meltzer

Our brain is one of the most important parts of our body and we should all know how to keep it healthy and functioning the way we want.
We know how to look after ourselves physically and we need to be able to look after ourselves mentally as well.
Mental illness is a medical condition, just like physical illnesses are.
We have to treat them the same and break the stigma which causes us to treat someone with a mental illness differently.
We should also know how to help someone who is struggling with mental health problems.
Break the Stigma. Educate yourself and your organization.

Learn With Debbie

Mental Health First Aid Training

NOW OFFERED VIRTUALLY!
This two day training equips participants with the skills necessary to recognize someone who may be exhibiting signs and symptoms of a developing mental illness or assist someone who is in a mental health crisis. Participants will receive certification from the Mental Health Commission of Canada.

Mental Health Workshops

NOW OFFERED VIRTUALLY!
Debbie offers half and full day workshops tailored to the specific needs of your organization. Explore the mental health topics listed below and contact Debbie to design a custom workshop to meet the goals of your organization.

Mental Health Keynote Address

NOW OFFERED VIRTUALLY!
Looking for a dynamic, experienced and knowledgeable keynote speaker? Debbie Bodkin's own story of mental health breakdown, healing and resiliency will move your audience, raise awareness and create powerful change in the culture of your organization.

End the Stigma

Training and Presentation Topics (Click 1, 2, 3, 4 to read more about each topic)
COVID-19 UPDATE: Debbie is now offering ZOOM Meeting Keynotes, Workshops, Certification.

Mental Health First
Aid Certification

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Debbie's Story: From
Good, to Bad to Better

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First Responder
Mental Health

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Mental Health in the Workplace

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Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
MHFA is an evidence-based program developed by the Mental Health Commission of Canada. Just as CPR training helps a layperson with no clinical training assist an individual following a heart attack, MHFA training helps an individual assist someone experiencing the development of a mental illness or who is in a mental health crisis.
Individuals with Mental Health First Aid certificate learn a single action plan that includes assessing risk, respectfully listening to and supporting the individual in crisis and identifying appropriate professional help and other supports that can be applied in many situations.
Learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health problems, guide a person toward appropriate professional help and provide initial assistance. Participants are taught how to provide effective crisis intervention in a variety of situations such as someone experiencing a panic attack, suicidal behaviour, substance overdose, acute stress reaction or a psychotic episode.
This two day training session results in a certificate of Mental Health First Aid from the Mental Health Commission of Canada.
Debbie’s Story: From Good, to Bad to Better
Debbie thought she had mastered the art of being tough and keeping it together. She had gained the respect of her colleagues and withstood heart breaking case details while investigating many horrific crimes during her police career and overseas missions to Chad, Sudan and Rwanda.
But, she discovered that no one, even an experienced cop, is immunized from having a mental health breakdown.
Debbie shares her personal experiences, how she got back on her feet and what she subsequently learned. The goal of her presentation is to help everyone recognize and acknowledge that mental health disorders are as common as many physical ailments and we all need to take part in talking about them openly and breaking the stigma surrounding them.
First Responder Mental Health
Through her career in policing, Debbie thought she had mastered the art of being tough and keeping it together. She had gained the respect of her colleagues and had withstood heart breaking case details while investigating sexual assaults, homicides and war crimes. She thought she was quite capable of handling the worst her career could throw her way. But on a couple of occasions she had some trouble holding it all in and her carefully monitored tough shell crumbled.
Debbie will share her personal story, the thoughts and feelings that shook her world and how she took control of the assault on her mental health. She will shed insight into what she subsequently learned and now teaches about mental illness, as well as promoting ways for First Responders to look after themselves mentally and change the stigma within their culture.
Mental Health in the Workplace
Do your staff members know how to look out for one another’s mental stability? Reduce workplace stigma by educating your personnel about mental health awareness. In this informational presentation gain the knowledge to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health problems and comfortably guide a person towards appropriate self-care strategies or professional assistance. Raising awareness of mental health is key to supporting your workplace and building a culture of inclusivity and awareness.

Occupational Mental Health Consultant

Is your organization wanting to establish or improve mental health supports for your employee? Debbie Bodkin is an experienced occupational mental health consultant who works with organizations to improve mental health awareness.

Observation

Debbie will observe and interview staff to acquire a thorough understanding of the workplace culture and mental health perceptions.

Assessment

After gaining a detailed understanding of the workplace, Debbie will assess the current strengths and weaknesses.

Recommendations

Debbie will offer easy to implement recommendations that will dramatically improve the organization and help mitigate potential dangers.

How it Works

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Book Debbie

Debbie motivates and equips audiences with critical skills to recognize the humanity of neighbours, coworkers and strangers. Her one of kind experiences and expert storytelling will captivate any audience. Contact Debbie today to request her inspiring services for your next event.

Book Debbie

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Custom Presentation

Debbie will create a customized experience based on the needs of your organization, school or business. Topics will be catered to the specific needs of the audience and can be presented in a range of formats including workshops, keynote address and Mental Health First Aid Certification.

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Inspire Change

Your organization, school or business will be inspired to take action and create change. Leave equipped with valuable skills: mental health awareness and a deeper understanding of what it means to be a global citizen.

Are you ready to inspire change and end the stigma?

Inspire action through workshops, keynotes and training sessions designed to meet the specific needs of your organization and help your audience develop, grow and advance their skills and perspectives.

Book Debbie

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