Mental Health Montly - July Newsletter

 

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is more than just a training program – in addition to teaching First Aiders how to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of a mental health or substance use challenge, it emphasizes the importance of self-care, provides facts about mental health, and encourages you to #BeTheDifference where and when you can. This may look like checking in with a coworker, reaching out to a family member or just supporting a friend who has been having a hard time. This month, we’re sharing a few of the many ways MHFA can impact your life and how you can use what you learn to support yourself and your loved ones, especially as we transition out of COVID-19 lockdowns to a new normal. Regardless of where you are in your mental wellbeing journey, MHFA can help you take care of yourself and support those around you. Mental health is as important as physical health, and it is crucial that we have the tools and knowledge to take care of ourselves and our loved ones when they (or we) need additional support. We encourage you to explore your options – if you aren’t a certified First Aider, consider taking a Mental Health First Aid course. If you are a First Aider, consider becoming an MHFA Instructor to continue to spread the word. With a multitude of course options, there are many ways MHFA can help you make an impact and support the people in your life. Be sure to check out our blog and social media channels for daily information and tips! Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram!

Pride Month Webinar: Investing in the LGBTQI Community This Pride Month, we shared the most up-to-date information on clinical practices and policies for the LGBTQI communities. Be sure to check out a recording of our recent webinar, “National Efforts for the LGBTQ+ Community,” to learn how COVID-19 has impacted mental health and substance use challenges in people who are LGBTQI, from organizations that are increasing access to care and informing the public on ways to strengthen care through policy. The access code for the webinar is Q#MafC2p.

LGBTQI Cultural Considerations Guide People who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex (LGBTQI) or are members of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) communities face unique mental health and substance use challenges. As a Mental Health First Aider, you need to be able to communicate comfortably and confidently to provide critical support when and how it’s needed. That’s why we developed the LGBTQI Cultural Considerations Guide. It addresses the discrimination, bias and stigma experienced by many members of the LGBTQI and SOGI communities as well as language considerations that will help you make a person in crisis feel safer and more comfortable. Learn from the latest research and input from members of the LGBTQI and SOGI communities how you can #BeTheDifference for someone in the most respectful way possible.

How Mental Health First Aid Can Help Reduce Stigma Social and cultural stigma prevent many from talking about their mental health, but Mental Health First Aid equips you with the knowledge and skills to be the first line of support for someone who may be experiencing a challenge. Read more.

You Can Support Someone’s Journey to Recovery Recovery from a mental health or substance use challenge is possible with the right tools, resources and support – but it looks different for everyone and is rarely a linear process. Mental Health First Aid gives First Aiders the tools to support a loved one on their journey. Read more.

Mental Health Tips for Transitioning to the New Normal As we begin to adjust to a life without COVID-19 restrictions, some of us may find the transition easier than others – and that’s OK! It’s important to take your physical and mental health into, and it’s OK to go at your own pace and set healthy boundaries. Read more.

Providing Mental Health First Aid to LGBTQI Communities People who identify as LGBTQI are at an increased risk of experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge, and it’s important that you consider a person’s identity and treat them with respect when offering support. Understanding the current state of mental health in the LGBTQI community is the first step to #BeTheDifference.Read more.

As a response to stress and trauma brought on by the pandemic, the city of Ames, Iowa, is hosting MHFA training free to the public through summer 2021 as a part of their Mental Health Initiative. Read more.     The non-profit Texas Health Resources in Fort Worth, Texas, is MHFA training as a part of their Blue Zones Project to give people practical skills and spread awareness about mental health. Read more.     The Dover, New Hampshire, Chamber of Commerce welcomes The Dover Mental Health Alliance as a chamber member to eliminate stigma around mental illness and educate community members. Read more.

Thank you for choosing to #BeTheDifference, Mental Health First Aid USA

The  National Council for Mental Wellbeing is the unifying voice of America’s health care organizations that deliver mental health and addictions treatment and services. Together with our 3,326 member organizations serving over 10 million adults, children and families living with mental illnesses and addictions, the National Council is committed to all Americans having access to comprehensive, high-quality care that affords every opportunity for recovery. The National Council introduced  Mental Health First Aid USA  and 2 million Americans have been trained. For more information, please visit  www.TheNationalCouncil.org.