Mental Health First Aid

Service Description

Just as CPR helps you assist an individual having a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid helps you assist someone experiencing a mental health or substance use-related crisis. In the Mental Health First Aid course, you learn risk factors and warning signs for mental health and addiction concerns, strategies for how to help someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations, and where to turn for help. The Mental Health First Aid course is appropriate for anyone 18 years and older who wants to learn how to help a person who may be experiencing a mental health related crisis or problem. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, psychosis, and addictions. Mental Health First Aid teaches about recovery and resiliency – the belief that individuals experiencing these challenges can and do get better, and use their strengths to stay well. When you take a course, you learn how to apply the Mental Health First Aid action plan in a variety of situations, including when someone is experiencing: - Panic attacks - Suicidal thoughts or behaviors - Non-suicidal self-injury - Acute psychosis (e.g., hallucinations or delusions) - Overdose or withdrawal from alcohol or drug use - Reaction to a traumatic event - The opportunity to practice — through role plays, scenarios, and activities — makes it easier to apply these skills in a real-life situation.