MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID-CLASSES NOW FORMING IN NEW MEXICO SEPTEMBER 2017

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Mental Health First Aid is a public education program that can help communities understand mental illnesses, seek timely intervention, and save lives. The core program, delivered to nearly 100,000 people across the country through a network of 2,500+ instructors, has already saved lives and brought hope to many.

1 in 5 Americans has a mental illness and many are reluctant to seek help or might not know where to turn for care. The symptoms of mental illness can be difficult to detect — even when friends and family of someone who appears to be developing mental illness can tell that something is amiss, they may not know how to intervene or direct the person to proper treatment – which means that all too often, those in need of mental health services do not get them until it is too late. As a society, we largely remain ignorant about the signs and symptoms of mental illness, and we ignore our role as responsible community members to help people experiencing these illnesses.

Mental Health First Aid is an 8-hour course that teaches you how to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The training helps you identify, understand, and respond to signs of addictions and mental illnesses. 

4 Reasons to Become a Mental Health First Aider

Be prepared

 When a mental health crisis happens, know what to do  You can help

 People with mental illnesses often suffer alone Mental illnesses are common

 1 in 5 adults in any given year  You care

 Be there for a friend, family member, or colleague.

Risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems.

• Information on depression, anxiety, trauma, psychosis, and addiction disorders.
• A 5-step action plan to help someone developing a mental health problem or in crisis.
•  Where to turn for help — professional, peer, and self-help resources

ADULT MENTAL FIRST AID

The adult 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.

The adult course is available in both English and Spanish. Course participants come from a variety of backgrounds and play various roles in a community.

Instructors may specialize in providing the course to groups such as:

• Public safety
• Higher education
• Military families
• Rural audiences