Lunch & Learn
Free Virtual SessionsAre you a professional working in the mental health and addictions field? Do you know someone who is struggling with their mental health or addiction issues?
Our Lunch & Learn Series is dedicated to fostering an open dialogue on mental health and addictions topics. These free online sessions provide the community with valuable knowledge, resources, and support in a warm, welcoming environment. The Lunch & Learn Series provides evidence-based resources that can help people stay up-to-date on best practices, connect with other like minded individuals, and engage in stimulating discussions.
NEW! We are thrilled to announce EllisDon’s Platinum sponsorship of the Mental Health Foundation’s 2024 Lunch and Learn Series, underscoring their unwavering commitment to supporting mental health causes.
Upcoming Sessions
Our Lunch and Learn Sessions are presented by Aneesa Gill and Cathy Mercier, Health Promotion Facilitators with Alberta Health Services AMH Education Services in the Edmonton Zone.
Aneesa is a Registered Social Worker, supporting adults and the elderly who face mental health and addiction challenges in their lives. She is also a Sessional Instructor at MacEwan University in the Social Work program. Cathy brings experience in providing community support and psycho-educational materials to children, youth, adults, and families in the areas of mental health and addictions.
Past Lunch & Learn Sessions
If you missed any of our live sessions, you can view the full presentations below.
July 24, 2024 • 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Journey Together: Ways to Support Mental Health in Everyday Interactions
Our mental health is an important part of our overall health and wellness. Every year, 20% of Canadians experience a significant mental health problem. When someone we care about is struggling, we may not know how to offer care and support. In this session, we learned general signs of distress, tips for talking with others about mental health, information that we can share with those we love, and ways we can support our own wellness too.
April 19, 2023 • 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Understanding Anxiety
Distinguish between everyday worries and anxiety that is no longer helpful or productive and identify some common signs of anxiety.
In this session, our facilitators discussed:
- how the body reacts to stress triggers
- ways to notice the body’s stress responses
- how avoidance of stressors can increase our stress response
- ways to approach stressful situations in manageable steps
- effective coping skills
January 19, 2023 • 12:00 – 1:00 pm
More Than Just a Bad Day – Understanding Depression
Depression is difficult to go through, and it can be challenging to help anyone experiencing it.
In this session, our facilitators discussed:
- What mental health is
- The difference between sadness and depression
- Common signs and symptoms of depression
- Treatment options and supportive strategies for coping
October 16, 2023 • 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Resilience Through Connecting, Caring, and Coping
With the regular demands of day-to-day life and work, it is essential to support our own health and mental wellness. Taking the time to care for ourselves can often seem challenging, ineffective, or impossible. In this session, we discussed mental health, the effects of stress and burnout, what self-care is (and isn’t), and the importance of effective team care. Facilitators presented personal strategies for strengthening resilience in our busy lives through supportive networks, self-compassion, and accessible coping techniques.
April 20, 2023 • 1:00 – 1:30 pm
Naloxone Kit Training
Naloxone (pronounced na-LOX-own) is a fast-acting drug that temporarily reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. Patrick Black from Street Works presented information about the opioid crisis, the value of Naloxone kits, and how to use them to save lives.
Naloxone kits are available for free at your local pharmacy.