Mental Health First Aid in the Neighborhood
This fall Reading is hosting Youth Mental Health First Aid, an opportunity to learn to assist children and adolescents ages 12-18, while Westford will offer Adult Mental Health First Aid. Senior Mental Health First Aid, for assisting older adults, is also occasionally available. Here are some details about the courses from the Mental Health First Aid website: mentalhealthfirstaid.org/.
The Basics
“Mental Health First Aid is a course that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis.
Most of us would know how to help if we saw someone having a heart attack — we’d start CPR, or at the very least call 911. But too few of us would know how to respond if we saw someone having a panic attack or if we were concerned that a friend or coworker might be showing signs of alcohol use disorder.
Mental Health First Aid takes the fear and hesitation out of starting these conversations by improving understanding and providing an action plan that teaches people to safely and responsibly identify and address a potential mental health or substance use challenge.
When more people are equipped with the tools to start a dialogue, more people can get the help they need. Mental Health First Aiders are a vital link, connecting those experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge with appropriate support. Supporting someone who may be struggling with mental health is one of the most meaningful things you can do. Whether it’s a friend, family member or colleague, your care and understanding can make a significant difference.”
Identify. Understand. Respond.
“Mental Health First Aid includes instruction about depression and mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma, psychosis, and substance use disorders. It teaches about recovery and resiliency – the belief that individuals experiencing these challenges can and do get better, and use their strengths to stay well. Steps in the The Mental Health First Aid Action Plan include: assess for risk of suicide or harm, listen nonjudgmentally, give reassurance and information, encourage appropriate professional help, and encourage self-help and other support strategies.
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
Nonsuicidal 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.”
Local Course Options for Fall 2024
Reading will offer Youth Mental Health First Aid on a series of Tuesdays, November 12, 19, 26 and December 3, 6:00-8:00 pm, at the Reading Public Library, 64 Middlesex Ave. Westford hosts Adult Mental Health First Aid on November 19, 10:00 am-4:00 pm at the J.V. Fletcher Library, 50 Main St. The buttons below offer additional information and registration details.