Mental Health First Aid and Tips
Mental Health First Aid Training
Mental Health First Aid teaches adults how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders in real, actionable ways. Over 2 million people across the country have been certified in Mental Health First Aid, including Parents, educators, social workers, coaches, counselors, faith-based groups, nursing, medical students, community groups, assisted living staff, and first responders.
Mental Health First Aid teaches the five-step ALGEE action plan:
Assess for risk of suicide or harm
Listen nonjudgmentally
Give reassurance and information
Encourage appropriate professional help
Encourage self-help and other support strategies
If you wish to take this course to receive your 3-year certification, please contact the SSC Coordinator at [email protected].
Ten Things You Can Do for Your Mental Health
1. Value yourself:
Treat yourself with kindness and respect, and avoid self-criticism. Make time for your hobbies and favorite projects, or to try something new. Do a puzzle, plant a garden, take cooking lessons, or learn another language.
2. Take care of your body:
Eat healthy, nutritious meals
Avoid cigarettes and tobacco-related products
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
Exercise
Get plenty of rest
3. Surround yourself with supportive people:
People with solid family or social connections are generally healthier than those who lack a support network. Make plans with family members and friends, or seek out activities where you can meet new people, such as a club, class, or support group.
4. Volunteer your time:
Volunteer your time and energy to help someone else or an organization.
5. Learn how to cope with your stress:
Stress is a part of life. Practice good coping skills. Learn how to meditate, go for a walk, take up journaling, or play with a pet.
6. Quiet your mind:
Relaxation exercises can improve your state of mind and outlook on life.
7. Set attainable goals:
Decide what you want to attain academically, professionally, and personally. Write down the steps you need to achieve your goals.
8. Break up the monotony:
Our routines make us more structured and strengthen our feelings of security and safety. A change of pace can perk up a tedious schedule. Take a different walking route, plan a spontaneous road-trip, explore a different park, hang up a new picture, or try a new restaurant.
9. Avoid alcohol and drugs:
Sometimes people use alcohol and drugs to "self-medicate" but in reality, alcohol and other drugs only aggravate problems.
10. Get help when you need it:
It is important to remember that treatment is effective. People who get appropriate care can recover from mental illness and addiction and lead full, rewarding lives.
*Adapted from the National Mental Health Association/National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare.