MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID

WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID?

The Mental Health First Aid Training and Research Program was created in Australia in 2001 by Betty Kitchener and Anthony Jorm with the vision of creating an “empowered community providing support to one another in ties of mental health problems and mental crises.” Permission was granted to the National Council for Behavioral Health to reproduce and update the copyrighted material to utilize in the United States. After several years of published studies, evidence showed knowledge of mental illnesses and treatments was expanded, a reduction in mental health stigma and myths, an improvement in mental health for the individual receiving and giving care and increased action towards individuals with mental health problems and challenges. Mental Health First Aid USA.

Mental Health First Aid is an 8- hour course designed to teach laymen, parents, family members, professionals, educators, school personnel, faith-based communities, health and human service workers, healthcare providers, case managers, caregivers; primarily anyone who is interested in learning how to assist anyone who is experiencing a mental health crisis, developing a mental health or addiction problem and to increase their mental health literacy.

The program introduces a 5-Step action plan to help individuals who are experiencing mental health challenges, contemplating suicide, crisis or non-crisis situations, provide support and link to them to resources and professional care.

A GLIMPSE OF WHAT’S COVERED IN MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID….

  • What is Mental Health?
  • How Common are Mental Health Challenges and Mental Disorders?
  • What is Depression?
  • What is Anxiety?
  • Mental Health First Aid Action Plan/Suicidal Self-Injury
  • What are Eating Disorders?
  • What is Psychosis?
  • What is Substance Use and Abuse?
  • Mental Health First Aid Action Plan
  • First Aid for suicidal thoughts, behaviors, non-suicidal self -injury, panic attacks, aggressive behaviors, acute psychosis, acute effects of alcohol and drug abuse or misuse, traumatic events

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID VISIT:

Mental Health First Aid USA

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID FACTS:

    • 1 in 5 teens and young adults lives with a mental health condition. – National Alliance for Mental Illness

64.1% of outh with major depression do not receive any mental health treatment. – Mental Health America

  • In spring 2017, nearly 40% of college students said they had felt so depressed in the prior year that it was difficult for them to function. – Time via American College Health Association
  • About 15% of adults aged 60 and over have a mental disorder. – World Health Organization
  • 1.2 Million individuals living with mental illness are in jail and prison each year. – Mental Health America
  • Nearly 1 in 4 active duty members showed signs of a mental health condition, according to a 2014 study. – National Alliance on Mental Illness via JAMA Psychiatry
  • 20 Veterans die by suicide each day – US Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Almost 10% of police calls involved someone with a mental illness in 2014 – National Public Radio
  • A survey of 7,000 North American firefighters revealed 27% have struggled with substance use issues. – NBC Washington

 

BENEFITS OF BECOMING MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AIDER:

  • You become one of the growing numbers of Certified Mental Health First Aiders who are on the front-line in assisting individuals who are experiencing a mental health crisis or non-crisis situation by providing support, link them to appropriate resources and other tools.
  • You can be Certified in Adult or Youth Mental Health First Aid
  • A certification lasts for 3 years.
  • Continuing Education Unit Hours (CEUs) are available for social workers, counselors and law enforcement.
  • Continuing Professional Education Hours (CPEs) are available for educators.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BECOMING A MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AIDER CONTACT:

Teral Knighton, Mental Health First Aid Outreach Coordinator at: