Decreasing the stigma of mental health through education.

Do you know how to recognize the signs of mental illness?

Not sure how to respond to someone experiencing mental distress?

Sometimes, we know someone is struggling with their mental health and we may even have the opportunity to help them through our role and relationship with them… but we don’t know how.

If you have a role in which you interact with other community members, then you have the opportunity to make a difference!

Mental Health First Aid is a course designed to help you recognize the signs and symptoms of mental illness, understand how to help someone who is experiencing a crisis, and connect them with appropriate support.

This mental health course teaches you how to respond in a crisis situation so you can reach out and provide initial support to those who are struggling. You'll learn how to help connect them with appropriate support, be one of those in your community working to decrease the stigma surrounding mental health, and make a positive difference in the lives of people in your community.

By investing in mental health education and support, organizations promote inclusivity, foster a healthy work environment, and enable their employees to thrive. This is a mental health certificate program included in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices. By the end of this training, participants will have the skills and confidence to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders.

This course is a great and effective way to be an active part in decreasing the stigma surrounding mental health issues!

What does Mental Health First Aid teach?

• Characteristics that are associated with a higher likelihood of negative outcomes.

• Warning signs of mental health concerns.

• Information about various mental illnesses, such as: depression, anxiety, trauma, psychosis, and substance abuse.

• A 5-step action plan to help someone developing a mental health concern or that is in crisis.

• Resources and information that can help an individual struggling with their mental health.

Why invest in Mental Health First Aid ?

People that work within our community should prioritize increase mental health awareness in order to:

1. Promote overall wellbeing- By increasing awareness and recognizing signs of mental health struggles, individuals in the community can play a crucial role in promoting the wellbeing of others, in the work environment, family and overall community. Identifying early signs of mental health issues allows for timely intervention and support, leading to better outcomes for individuals facing challenges and preventing worsening symptoms or secondary losses.

2. Reduce stigma- Mental health stigma remains a significant barrier to seeking help and support. When people in the community are knowledgeable about mental health and can recognize signs of someone struggling, they can contribute to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health. By creating a non-judgmental and supportive environment, individuals can encourage open discussions about mental health, making it easier for others to seek help when needed.

3. Enhance community support- Increasing mental health awareness and recognizing signs of distress can help enhance community support systems. When individuals are trained to identify the signs that someone may be struggling with their mental health, they can provide appropriate support and connect them to professional resources or help them in using own resources for self-help. By creating a community culture that prioritizes mental health, individuals can work together to build a supportive network and ensure that those in need receive the assistance they require.
   

   
   Together, it’s possible to help those struggling with their mental health and fight the stigma.

Frequently Asked questions:

Why is learning about mental health important?

Mental health is a crucial aspect of well-being that is often overlooked in our society. This mental health course will equip you to learn and identify signs and symptoms of mental illness

The conversations that are had through the course will also provide education about various topics that continue to carry a negative stigma. So, through educating ourselves we can decrease the stigma and better help community members that are in need of help. Education is prevention.

How long does the certification last?

Once a participant completes the Mental Health First Aid training, they are certified for three years.

How is this training held?

The mental health course can be fully virtual, in-person or a blended form.