#MHFA

[sillimancer]

tsk, man, that MHFA recommendation post came from a terf, I deleted my reblog and am just gonna share it myself here, including a tweaked copypaste of what I said there:

I got this certification while serving in AmeriCorps last year! :) I highly recommend it, the paper is only good for 3 years but the skills will be useful forever.

You'll learn about early crisis intervention: how to recognize when someone isn't doing well emotionally and how to intervene if someone is struggling. It's not the same as crisis intervention you'd get from a suicide hotline or emergency room; think like a step below that. It's more comparable to, well, physical first aid, where you're learning CPR and how to bandage minor cuts. But you'll also learn how to diagnose problems above your pay grade and how to refer people to resources that can actually help them.

If you love someone with a mental illness/substance abuse challenges and have ever found yourself saying things like "I want to reach out and help but I don't know what to say/am worried I'll make things worse" this course literally teaches you how to do it. For you in particular I cannot recommend this certification enough.

It does cost money, but like I said I got mine through my job. If you work in public health, health care, emergency medical services, or anything like that, maybe talk to your employer, they might pay for you!

[sakurahisuii]

MHFA 🆘

1/23/25

👋🏽Hello Friends!👋🏽

As someone who has advocated for mental health awareness since my late teens/early adulthood, I am learning all I can about mental health, especially my own mental health. 

I started volunteering as a crisis text line volunteer, answering messages from individuals all around the nation who were experiencing a mental health crisis. I learned about active listening, resources, and risk assessment. 

Even with how passionate I was (well, still am) about mental health education and awareness, I've never gone for mental health first aid. 

🧠What is Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)? 

MHFA is a training program that helps participants identify, understand, and respond to mental health challenges. The program is focused on identifying mental health challenges and symptoms and offering support and resources. MHFA is NOT the same as receiving professional mental health services. 

Want to learn more about Mental Health First Aid?  

Visit: Mental Health First Aid🧠

Well, I've finally completed the training and am now Mental First Aid Certified!! 

Woo! 🥳🥳

After 6 years, but hey, it's better than never. 

The self-paced online section for the first part of the hybrid course was basically a review for me since I was a CTL volunteer and have been in mental health crisis situations where I've used the skills and techniques that were being taught. 

During the live (on Zoom) instructor-led portion of the training, I was worried that I would be a know-it-all, so I made sure to let others lead the conversations. 

Toward the end of the training, we reviewed things that should and should not be said when talking to someone who is experiencing a mental health crisis. While reviewing the examples, I felt so triggered by the saying. I felt the anger form inside of me when hearing the examples of the things not to say to someone when they are in an emotional crisis or stress. Here are some examples: 

Have you talked to your therapist? 

Other people have it worse." 

“Have you tried yoga, exercising, or meditation?” 

“There are lots of people who have it much worse than you.” 

“You wouldn’t feel this way if...” 

“You’re just overreacting.” 

You get the picture. It's not great stuff to hear when you're in a bad mental spot. There were some more sayings on the training slides, but I completely forgot to take note of them. Words have such an impact on the mind, and in moments of mental health crisis or distress, it's important to always be caring, kind, and considerate. 

Mental Health First Aid training should be something every person should learn because it's just as important as medical first aid. Humans are complex, and we all have feelings. Training or education on how to really talk to one another, de-escalate, and truly (actively) listen to each other will lower rates of self-inflicted deaths. 

Education can be simple to learn. The mental health first aid action plan from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing has five steps that can be used in any order: 

A – Approach, assess for risk of suicide or harm 

L - Listen nonjudgmentally 

G - Give reassurance and information 

E - Encourage appropriate professional help 

E - Encourage self-help and other support strategies 

ALGEE: How MHFA Helps You Respond in Crisis and Non-crisis Situations « Mental Health First Aid 

The National Institute of Mental Health has five action steps for helping someone in emotional pain.  

Ask 

Keep them safe 

Be There 

Help Them Connect 

Stay Connected  

5 Action Steps to Help Someone Having Thoughts of Suicide - National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) 

While talking to people who are in emotional distress can be overwhelming, these five steps can help others in need. They are far from simple but life-saving. 

I hope this inspires you to look into MHFA! 

Until next time, friends! 💝

‐Jade

[sarahmaria76]

Quando qualcuno ti ascolta davvero...

[emmavaller]

Mental Health Training | Training For Life

[scotiajones]

Memory

Your ability to take in new information, organize it, and access it again later is dictated in part by your brain's structure. The effects of depression can change this structure in such a way that you have trouble making new memories.

So when you are worried that your aging parents are developing Alzheimer's, ask yourself this question:

Is it Alzheimer's or are they just depressed because I haven't moved out?

No, but seriously! If you feel like you are living in a fog and you don't have the same joie de vivre you once had, talk to someone about it. There is strength in asking for help when you need it!

[craigfieldphotos]

I see a lot of posts that go something like... "Post this on your wall to show you care" or "to raise awareness about.." . Those post's are great! But do you know what's better? Learning real skills, that will help you identify someone that is is undergoing a mental health crisis. . If you really want to make a difference, invest some time into learning how to have a conversation about mental health and suicide safely. . That's what I do. Because I truly believe the more prior we have in our community that can have these difficult coversheet, the better off our whole community will be! . Together we CAN make a difference. . Puppy pic for attention . #craigafield #mhfa #craigfield #mentalhealthfirstaid #mentalhealth #health #wellbeing #mentalhealthwellbeing #mentalhealthmatters #mentalfitness #support #listen #raisingawareness #depression #anxiety #ptsd #suicideprevention #endbullying #itaintweaktospeak #Adelaide #southaustralia (at Adelaide, South Australia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpymIKIvCNb/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[ofcowardiceandkings]

well we've hit critical stress !!

[jorichingsuk]

Details Presentation Open Minds Training & Consultancy

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a series of training courses which teaches you how to identify, understand and help someone who may be experiencing a mental health issue.MHFA England is the sole provider of licensed Mental Health First Aid.

+44 7540 938936

[trainingonthego01]

Standard Mental Health First Aid Courses - Training On The Go

Our Standard Mental Health First Aid Courses is an evidence-based training course that teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health issues.

[tyourfirstaid]

In today's fast-paced world, mental health concerns have become increasingly prevalent. The need for individuals to have the necessary skills and knowledge to support those experiencing mental health crises is of utmost importance. Mental Health First Aid Certification equips individuals with the tools to recognize and respond to mental health emergencies. In this article, we will delve into the significance of Mental Health First Aid Certification, its benefits, and how it can make a difference in our communities.

[traininglegsfirstaid]

The Importance of Paediatric First Aid Training

One of the key benefits of taking a paediatric first aid course UK is that it can help to save lives. In the event of an emergency, every second counts, and having the skills and knowledge necessary to respond quickly and effectively can make all the difference. By taking a paediatric first aid course, individuals can ensure that they are prepared to provide life-saving assistance to children in need.

[postsofbabel]

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[brooksidecounseling1]

Promoting Mental Health Awareness in Provo through Behavioral Health Initiatives

Mental health is a crucial component of overall well-being, yet it remains an often overlooked and misunderstood aspect of health in many communities. In Provo, Utah, a growing recognition of the importance of mental health has prompted the development of several initiatives aimed at promoting mental health awareness and providing support for individuals struggling with behavioral health issues. Through community outreach, educational campaigns, and the integration of mental health services into the healthcare system, Provo is working toward reducing stigma, increasing access to care, and fostering a more supportive environment for individuals facing mental health challenges.

This article explores the significance of mental health awareness in Provo, the behavioral health initiatives that are helping to raise awareness, and how the community can continue to build a more informed and supportive environment for mental health care.

The Importance of Mental Health Awareness in Provo

Mental health issues affect individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life. From anxiety and depression to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders, Behavioral Health Provo challenges are widespread, and yet, they are often accompanied by significant stigma. Unfortunately, this stigma can prevent individuals from seeking the help they need and may worsen their condition over time.

Mental health awareness is critical for breaking down these barriers. When communities like Provo come together to promote understanding and support for mental health issues, they can:

Reduce stigma: By raising awareness and normalizing conversations about mental health, individuals are more likely to seek help without fear of judgment.

Encourage early intervention: Educating the community on the signs of mental health challenges can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment, reducing the severity of mental health issues.

Promote mental wellness: Mental health awareness initiatives often emphasize the importance of self-care and mental wellness, encouraging individuals to take preventative measures and prioritize their mental well-being.

Increase access to care: Public awareness campaigns can direct individuals to available mental health services and resources, ensuring that support is accessible to those in need.

In Provo, several initiatives are underway to raise awareness about mental health and behavioral health services, while also addressing the growing need for accessible care.

Key Behavioral Health Initiatives in Provo

1. Community Outreach and Education

One of the most impactful ways to promote mental health awareness in Provo is through community outreach and education. Local organizations, such as NAMI Utah (National Alliance on Mental Illness), Utah Valley Health Department, and Brookside Counseling, have been instrumental in educating the public about mental health and the importance of seeking help when needed. These organizations host events, workshops, and seminars designed to provide information about common mental health conditions, available treatments, and resources in the community.

Mental Health First Aid: A popular program offered in many communities, including Provo, is Mental Health First Aid (MHFA). This program provides training to community members, teachers, law enforcement officers, and other public service workers to help them recognize the signs of mental health crises and respond effectively. MHFA helps participants understand mental health conditions, build empathy for those suffering, and learn strategies to support people in crisis.

Community Health Fairs and Awareness Campaigns: Local health fairs often feature booths and presentations by mental health professionals to share information about mental health resources, offer free screenings, and help individuals understand the mental health services available in Provo. In addition, campaigns such as Mental Health Awareness Month in May or Suicide Prevention Week in September have become annual opportunities for the community to come together and discuss mental health.

2. Reducing Stigma through Media and Social Platforms

Media plays a key role in shaping public perceptions, and the use of social media and other platforms has become a powerful tool for reducing stigma around mental health in Provo. Local news outlets, radio stations, and social media platforms are increasingly broadcasting positive messages about mental health, featuring stories of recovery and resilience.

Through these outlets, residents are exposed to messages that encourage open conversations about mental health. People who are struggling may see examples of others sharing their experiences with mental health challenges, reducing feelings of isolation and helping them feel more comfortable reaching out for help. Mental health influencers, counselors, and local community leaders in Provo are using their platforms to share tips on managing stress, seeking help for mental health issues, and prioritizing wellness.

3. Partnering with Local Schools to Raise Awareness

Schools are often where young people first encounter mental health challenges, and promoting mental health awareness among students is an essential component of creating a supportive environment. Several behavioral health initiatives in Provo focus on educating students, teachers, and parents about mental health, its impact, and available resources.

Provo City School District has taken steps to integrate mental health education into its curriculum, helping students understand the importance of mental well-being and how to seek help when needed. Programs that focus on social-emotional learning (SEL), coping strategies, and resilience-building equip students with the tools they need to manage their mental health from a young age.

Peer Support Programs: Provo schools have also implemented peer-to-peer support programs where students are trained to support their classmates in times of emotional distress or mental health challenges. This initiative fosters empathy, reduces stigma, and encourages students to seek help from trusted peers.

Collaborative Partnerships with Behavioral Health Providers: School districts are partnering with local behavioral health providers, such as Brookside Counseling and Utah Valley Family Support Center, to offer counseling services directly to students in need. These collaborations ensure that students have access to mental health services within their school environment.

4. Expanding Access to Behavioral Health Services

While raising awareness is essential, increasing access to mental health services is a crucial step toward ensuring that residents of Provo can receive the care they need. A significant barrier to seeking mental health care is often access—whether due to cost, stigma, or a lack of available providers.

In Provo, organizations and clinics are working to make Behavioral Health Provo services more accessible to the public:

Telehealth Services: With the rise of telemedicine, Provo has expanded access to mental health care through virtual appointments. Telehealth counseling services allow individuals to meet with therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists remotely, breaking down barriers related to location, mobility, and transportation. This service is especially beneficial for individuals living in rural areas around Provo who may have limited access to in-person care.

Affordable Care Initiatives: Some local healthcare providers offer sliding scale fees or work with insurance companies to ensure that behavioral health services are affordable for individuals of all income levels. Programs such as Medicaid and private insurance coverage have been expanded to include mental health services, helping to reduce financial barriers to care.

Community Partnerships: Behavioral health organizations in Provo are collaborating with local healthcare providers, including Utah Valley Hospital, to integrate mental health care into primary care settings. This integration ensures that mental health services are part of routine healthcare visits, making it easier for individuals to access care during regular medical appointments.

5. Supporting Families and Caregivers

Raising mental health awareness in Provo also involves supporting the families and caregivers of individuals dealing with mental health challenges. For families, understanding how to best support loved ones with behavioral health issues can be difficult without proper education and resources. Programs that support families—whether through counseling, educational workshops, or support groups—are essential in creating a strong foundation of care and compassion.

Family Support Groups: Organizations such as NAMI Utah offer family support groups, where families and caregivers can connect with others who are going through similar experiences. These groups provide a safe space to share struggles, gain insight into coping strategies, and learn more about mental health conditions.

Parenting Programs: Utah Valley Family Support Center offers parenting classes and counseling to help parents navigate behavioral health issues in children and adolescents. These programs provide families with the skills and knowledge they need to support their children through mental health challenges.

The Future of Mental Health Awareness in Provo

As Provo continues to prioritize mental health awareness and support, the future looks bright for residents struggling with behavioral health issues. The continued efforts to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and expand access to mental health services will play a pivotal role in ensuring that the community is well-equipped to support those facing mental health challenges.

Through ongoing community education, partnerships with schools, integration of behavioral health into healthcare systems, and a commitment to reducing stigma, Provo is creating an environment where mental health is prioritized, understood, and openly discussed. Together, the people of Provo can work toward a future where mental health care is accessible, equitable, and valued as an essential part of overall health and well-being.

[jrumley28]

Reducing the Stigma one Platform at a Time

By: John Rumley

The world of social media advertising is fast-paced and daunting for many companies to jump into. Whether it's 5 likes or 50,000, every company should be taking their social presence seriously along with promoting content that truly relates to their overall goal.

I have decided to analyze the non-profit organization Mental Health First Aid. They are an organization that provides mental health training to those who are seeking a certification. Additionally, they provide support for those who may be facing mental health struggles. In today’s society, mental health is a key topic among people. With over 15,000 trainers teaching 4 million people around the world, it’s encouraging to see that mental health is now a global topic. Just like large corporations who pay millions of dollars towards social media advertising, non-profit organizations use the same tactics to reach their own audience. The main difference between the two are the financial funding that can be applied to an advertisement campaign. For example, according to Statista.com, the fast food chain McDonalds spent 388.9 million US dollars on advertising in the year 2023 alone. This simply would be impossible for a non-profit to match, as they don’t receive any sort of financial funding other than donations or government help. The Mental Health First Aid organization only received $30 million total from former President Barack Obama in 2014 & 2015. This just shows the disparity that many organizations are faced with when they decide to explore the advertising market.

The platforms I chose to analyze are the MHFA pages on Instagram, Twitter/X, and TikTok.

I chose the MHFA Instagram page first, as I have previously followed them in the past due to my knowledge about their organization. The first metric I had noticed was the number of followers this page had, 13,100. Although it was the United States version of the MHFA page, I clicked on some other results that are associated with MHFA globally, but the follower count was drastically lower than the US one. After scrolling through their posts, I was blown away that they had low counts such as 27, 17, and 42. For a page with thousands of followers, how can this like count be so low? According to Natalie Zfat who wrote the article “This Is Probably The Reason You're Not Getting More Likes On Social Media”, the low like count could be due to the fact that MHFA isn’t speaking to their audience individually. My suggestion to increase their Instagram metrics would be through promotional giveaways and other raffles (advanced metric). The items can be as simple as a t-shirt, hat, or even a sticker (as a non-profit, financial flexibility is low). This may motivate the 13,000 people following them as it’s a simple task, yet so rewarding from a promotional standpoint. I also think that doing this same idea would improve their channel metrics. With people sharing the post to enter the giveaway, the Instagram algorithm may pick up on the increase in interactions within the page. And finally, I think behaviorally they should create moderated group chats within the Instagram platform for those who want to talk about MHFA. This will give their audience a sense of community, as they are surrounded by those who are actively involved in the mental health topic. Combining all of these suggestions would be a great way for MHFA to increase their audience, like count, and engagement within Instagram.

The next platform I pulled apart was their Twitter/X page. Just like Instagram, there were numerous pages dedicated to MHFA. I once again chose the United States one as it was not only the top option, but has over 34,000 followers. This metric was double Instagram’s and I noticed the same content that was posted on the previous platform, but realized that their “view” count was around the 200 mark, which again didn’t add up. There were a couple retweets by people who were either supporters of mental health, or other organizations that dedicate themself to the same themes. Unlike a giveaway, I think that partnering up with one of the similar organizations could be a great way for them to increase their Twitter/X following. Partnering up would allow two different audiences to combine, and support one another for the same root cause. This would increase waves of their media, as they have double the audience supporting each page (advanced metric). Based on the channel metrics of Twitter/X, I think paying for “Twitter Blue” would be extremely beneficial, and financially feasible (only $8-$11 per month). This program allows the account to receive a blue checkmark on their account (associated with verified users), along with the ability to post longer content (increased word count) which may draw more and more people in. Finally, I think a good behavioral metric to target on this platform would be to increase the number of follower integrated questions. Asking their audience different opinions will increase the engagement rate overall.

Finally, I explored the TikTok world for an account associated with MHFA. After discovering their page, I was faced with the same sort of dilemma related to their views and likes. The view count on their videos ranged from 20 to 1,800 (considerably low for TikTok). The like count is also low as they only received 3 to 20 likes on the posts. I would suggest using more channel metrics such as hashtags. They can be simple ones such as “#self help” or even “#mental health". The page only featured one or two per post, which isn’t enough at engaging a consistent audience. Using advanced metrics can also benefit the growth of their page. They can use promoted videos (costs a small amount of money), which would grow their video views, likes, and page visits. And finally I would recommend contacting an influencer that is popular on TikTok to partner up and have that person post content that promotes their page and message. TikTok seems to be influencer based, as many people who hold strong followings on the platform are involved in some sort of promotional campaign.

[craigfieldphotos]

I see a lot of posts that go something like... "Post this on your wall to show you care" or "to raise awareness about.." . Those post's are great! But do you know what's better? Learning real skills, that will help you identify someone that is is undergoing a mental health crisis. . If you really want to make a difference, invest some time into learning how to have a conversation about mental health and suicide safely. . That's what I do. Because I truly believe the more prior we have in our community that can have these difficult coversheet, the better off our whole community will be! . Together we CAN make a difference. . Puppy pic for attention . #craigafield #mhfa #craigfield #mentalhealthfirstaid #mentalhealth #health #wellbeing #mentalhealthwellbeing #mentalhealthmatters #mentalfitness #support #listen #raisingawareness #depression #anxiety #ptsd #suicideprevention #endbullying #itaintweaktospeak #Adelaide #southaustralia https://www.instagram.com/p/CpymECDvfRe/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[onlinecbttherapy1]

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Online Training, for Adults and Youth (Accredited)

What is Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Online Training?

First Aid for Mental Health is the initial support that we can provide to someone who may be experiencing difficulties with their wellbeing.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Online Training is flexible and focussed, to get you to be a great support for others.

It also encourages people to recover and to promote wellbeing and good mental health, by signposting to professional services, and to alleviate suffering and give reassuring support, when within your remit of practice.

As MHFA aider you will develop skills to identify some of the early signs of some of mental health difficulties.

You will learn to communicate in a compassionate, respectful and non-judgmental manner. You will also will develop basic skills so to discuss difficult subjects, such as self-harm and suicide.

You will be able to identify what factors may be contributing to this within the workplace, so you can become a champion within your organization and support people around you to be more open and secured to express their mental health needs.

Also, we will look at how to signpost people for support, with the work place, the NHS or the third sector. You will be able to support colleagues when most needed.

We aim to develop the following skills to Mental Health First Aider:

To be a point of contact

To start supportive conversations

To listen and communicate (compassionate, respectfully and non-judgmentally)

Reduce Mental Health Stigma

Signpost and encourage contacting professionals

Maintain Confidentiality

Contact Emergency Services if needed

What about mental health stigma and MHFA?

We want to empower people to be a role model, and to be able to have open conversations. Also, through the MHFA Online Training we aim to break through some of the barriers put up by organizations, and society, so Mental Health First Aiders can be at the forefront of the support for people’s wellbeing.

How many MHFA levels are there?

There are various levels we can teach to individuals or organizations:

MHFA training online options:

Mental Health Awareness Training

First aid for mental health awareness – FAA level 1 award – 4 hours

First aid for mental health awareness – FAA level 4 award Scotland – 4 hours

MHFA for Adults Trainings

First aid for mental health – FAA level 2 award – 1 day

First aid for mental health – FAA level 5 award Scotland – 1 day

First aid for mental health leading – FAA level 6 Scotland award – 2 day

First aid for mental health supervising – FAA level 3 award – 2 day

MHFA for Youth Training

First aid for youth mental health – FAA level 2 award – 1 day

First aid for youth mental health – FAA level 5 award Scotland – 1-day

Who is MHFA training for?

Mental Health First Aid can be accessed by anyone.

People looking to enhance their skills and improve their CV and work opportunities.

Community leader who wants to be able to cater to their community psychologically, and begin to normalize psychological suffering.

It is also central for companies to be in best partnership with their employees, and being able to support employees when at their most need has been at the forefront of many enterprises.

Accredited Mental Health First Aid for youth, it is ideal for education, community or support networks of those who work or deal regularly with young adults.

You can join one of our open courses delivered online, you can check our Eventbrite profile to check what is coming up.

Alternatively, you can contact me to a bespoke course delivered to your employees. Furthermore, if you are a company or business owner and looking to improve your mental health provision, you can contact me and we can discuss a tailor-made package for your unique needs. You can count with the expertise of an online therapist to make the most of your employees’ wellbeing.

If you have any questions that you’d like answered or you’d like to learn more about this, just send an email to: therapy@online-cbt.com