Mental Health First Aid was created in the 2000s in Australia by Betty Kitchener and her husband Anthony Jorm with the USA chapter established in 2008. MHFA is designed to use the concept of first aid training in mental health and substance-influenced emergency situations.
This is meant to empower community members to provide knowledge about what to do if you are faced with a crisis where urgent mental health aid is needed.
“As someone with firsthand experience with anxiety and situational depression, I have seen the growing need for mental health awareness and action,” said Loretta Stagnitto, a local course facilitator. “After losing my nephew to a substance-use disorder, I became committed to breaking the stigma surrounding all mental health disorders, not just substance use ones. My mission is to help others become Mental Health First Aiders and provide early intervention skills to support those in need.”
I attended a youth MHFA course, offered in May.
The course is endorsed by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.
These training sessions are usually two days long. During the course, instruction is given on how to provide better initial support to—and on behalf of—someone experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge. There are two course levels, one for youth and one for seniors. There is a secure feeling you get when you learn where to suggest getting help.
The first two sessions for youth were held at the Los Gatos Union School District office on Roberts Road. Additional courses are scheduled for that elementary district. These training classes help you to identify signs of mental health issues and substance abuse. A Mental Health First Aid for Older Adults is also being offered. Did you know that males aged 75 and older have a higher rate of death by suicide than any other group?
The youth MHFA session was primarily attended by teachers and coaches. These instructors are in positions to spot signs of mental illness or substance abuse early on. However, anyone is welcome to take these training sessions. The course came with a workbook and a manual, and was offered at no cost. Upon completion, a certificate is awarded.
Benefits of MHFA training
Like the American Red Cross first aid course, MHFA training informs one on how to give first aid to those who could benefit from professional help afterwards. This benefits the community in many ways. For example, you learn how to respect the wishes of those in need, while responding with initial assistance.
How should you respond when approached by younger people looking for help? Your initial reaction, after being approached, may be to provide a positive direction for professional help. Younger individuals may need to be guided to seek out appropriate practitioners. They may not know where to go, or who to turn to. And since you know what to do, you can play a critical role in that key moment.
Bridging the gap without sigma
It’s all about recognizing the telltale signs and stepping in with confidence. MHFA is designed to fill a need to train folks to recognize issues that crop up. These mental health situations include: panic attacks, depression and suicidal thoughts, among many others. An early intervention may be a positive start to establishing appropriate professional help and timely results.
In knowing how to approach conversations about anxiety, depression, psychosis, substance abuse and suicide, you may be the one person who can listen and can actually avert further crisises—and even aid in recovery.
What is the best way to relate with someone who might be in need of more professional help? Recognizing the need to be there for a neighbor, teacher, child till needed until professional help arrives is an important first step in obtaining appropriate help.
Positive outlook
Believe it or not, a positive attitude for all concerned can be an important part of the response, too. These individuals-in-crisis may need a higher level of help than you can provide, yet you can listen and possibly assist with referring-out for professional help.
The MHFA program has now trained over six million people in 29 countries. The senior and youth sessions are held separately because they cover different course material, reflecting the different age groups and approaches.
These free courses led by Stagnitto are co-instructed by Marianna Samson, currently in collaboration with LGUSD and the Los Gatos 55+ Group (through LGS Recreation at the Los Gatos Adult Recreation Center).
The Older Adults Mental Health First Aid training started May 7 and continues on May 14 (two half-day sessions) 9am–1pm.
Upcoming mental health-focused event
Music for Mental Health, May 14 – Two nonprofits—Invest in Mental Health and Footsteps Forward—will introduce themselves in a garden setting at the History Club of Los Gatos.
Enjoy a spring evening with live music, meaningful conversations and community. These groups are dedicated to providing adult and youth mental health first aid training, grief counseling and trauma response programs.
Learn why these important services are so vital to our community. Footsteps Forward co-founders Janet Childs and Sue Cronin (formerly with the Centre for Living with Dying), and founder Loretta Stagnitto, will provide answers and solutions. You’ll get to hear directly from local families and individuals who have already benefited from their work.
All funds raised will directly fund InvestInMentalHealth.org’s free and low-cost Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid certifications and specialized programs for schools, communities, organizations and non-profits. It will also support grief counseling, peer support and education programs by the newly-established Footsteps Forward.
Music for Mental Health is on Thursday, May 14, 6-8pm, at theThe History Club of Los Gatos, 123 Los Gatos Boulevard, Los Gatos, Tickets: $40/pp, Includes 1 raffle entry.
Purchase your ticket today zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/music-for-mental-health space is limited to 150 guests. Tickets close May 13.
For more info: InvestInMentalHealth.org
