Moving Beyond Cancer in NOLA: Mental Health First Aid Monthly Newsletter

As the weather begins to cool and the days become shorter, many of us will welcome Fall with open arms. Fall tends to be a busier time for many – last minute trips, children are back in school and we mentally prepare and plan for the holiday season ahead.

The added stress of the COVID-19 pandemic may make this time of year a bit more challenging. And with many schools and offices re-opening, it can be difficult to keep track of new COVID-19 guidelines and mandates. It’s especially important during this transition to make space for your mental health, and we’re here to help with tips and resources from Mental Health First Aid (MHFA).

September is National Suicide Prevention and Recovery Month. To mark the observance we shared tips from the MHFA curriculum on how to help youth who may be experiencing a crisis, as well as how you can support your loved ones in their recovery journey. As a Mental Health First Aider, you play an important role, simply by giving those around you hope. Knowing the latest information about mental health and substance use challenges can help you support them and prevent a crisis situation.

We also shared different ways you can begin your self-care journey and how to support loved ones as we continue to cope with the collective trauma caused by COVID-19. You can #BeTheDifference this season by not only supporting the mental wellbeing of those around you, but by taking care of your own.

Be sure to check out our blog and social media channels for daily information and tips – follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram!

Youth Suicide: How to Help with Mental Health First Aid

The discussions you have with a young person about suicide are important. By opening a dialogue and supporting them in their time of need, you can be their initial support resource if they are experiencing a mental health crisis. Use tips from Youth MHFA to address the topic of youth suicide and steer a young person in the right direction for resources and support. Read more.

The Four Dimensions of Recovery and How You Can Support Them

Recovery is a personal journey with the goals of hope, empowerment and autonomy. It is a process through which people are able to live, work and participate fully in their communities. As a First Aider, you can play a key role in supporting those around you on their recovery journey guided by the four dimensions of recovery. Read more.

Post-COVID-19 Trauma and How MHFA Can Help

COVID-19 has impacted everything from jobs to school to our mental wellbeing. As a First Aider, it’s important to have the skills, information and resources to manage the impact of trauma associated with the pandemic and support one another. You can #BeTheDifference and use the MHFA Action Plan to take care of yourself and your loved ones. Read more.

Self-care: Where Do I Start?

Taking care of your own mental health is crucial. By taking care of yourself first, you can offer the best support possible to those around you while living a happier and healthier life. Use tips from MHFA to develop your personal self-care plan and #BeTheDifference for yourself this Fall. Read more.

National Council Poll Finds Youth Mental Health Worsened

Dramatically Because of COVID-19 Pandemic

A majority of parents say their children’s mental wellbeing worsened during the past year-and-a-half because of remote learning and social isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new poll conducted with Morning Consult. The poll highlights the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young people and the increasing need for mental health and substance use information, resources and support for families and schools. The data arrives at a time of rising concerns across the country about young people returning to in-person learning in schools this fall. Read the press release for more about these important findings.

New Web-based Guide to Support Youth Mental Wellbeing

Fifty percent of all mental disorders begin by age 14 and 75% by age 24. Bringing awareness of mental health at a young age is more important than ever. CONNECTED, a two-year project launched by the National Council, believes that meaningful youth-adult partnerships can inspire transformational change in mental health services that lead to improved youth mental wellbeing. A new web-based guide is now online that outlines how adults can partner with youth to create mental health supports that are inclusive and responsive to their lived experiences. Learn more about CONNECTED.

Suicide of a 14-year-old boy inspired Kingman, Kansas, Kingman Healthcare Center to bring MHFA to the community to better equip community members to recognize and respond to signs of a mental health crisis. Read more.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Mental Health First Aid in Rural Texas is bringing MHFA trainings to members of the military and their families, law enforcement, first responders, health care workers and others who reside or serve in rural settings in Texas to promote mental health. Read more.

Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah is providing MHFA as a resource to help individuals prioritize their mental health and support those around them during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more.