Mental health challenges – such as depression, anxiety, psychosis, and substance use – are shockingly common in the United States. In fact, more than one in five American adults will have a mental health problem in any given year. 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 9-1-1. 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 co-worker might be showing signs of alcoholism.
Mental Health First Aid takes the fear and hesitation out of starting conversations about mental health and substance use problems by improving understanding and providing an action plan that teaches people to safely and responsibly identify and address a potential mental illness or substance use disorder. When more people are equipped with the tools they need to start a dialogue, more people can get the help they need. Mental Health First Aiders can even save lives. 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. LEARNING STRUCTURE Trainings are offered virtually via Zoom. First Aiders will complete a 2-hour, self-paced online class, and then participate in a 7-hour, Instructor-led video conference. WHAT IT COVERS • Common signs and symptoms of mental illness • Common signs and symptoms of substance use • How to interact with a person in crisis • How to connect the person with help • NEW: Expanded content on trauma, addiction and self-care The Filipino Mental Health Initiative of San Francisco offers private Adult Mental Health First Aid Training for organizations and programs in San Francisco that serve the Filipinx/a/o and Filipinx/a/o American community. Adult Mental Health First Aid Training is tailored for community members who work, live, and support adults ages 18 years and older. Are you interested in bringing a private Adult or Youth Mental Health First Aid Training to your organization that predominately serves the Filipinx/Filipinx American community in San Francisco? Complete the "Mental Health First Aid Training Inquiry" Form below to learn how to bring this training to your site. For other related questions, contact Verma at verma@bayanihancc.org. |
On average, 123 people die by suicide each day. – American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
From 1999 to 2016, 630,000 people died from drug overdose. – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Nearly 1 IN 5 U.S. adults lives with a Mental Illness. – National Institute of Mental Health via the National Survey on Drug Use and Health and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
The course will teach you how to apply the ALGEE action plan:
• Assess for risk of suicide or harm. • Listen non-judgmentally. • Give reassurance and information. • Encourage appropriate professional help. • Encourage self-help and other support strategies. |