NEW: Mental Health First Aid Monthly Newsletter

 

With COVID-19 rates rising across the country once again, many of us face another tough winter. Despite the long-term impact of the pandemic on our lives, it has become clear that together, we can persevere and take care of our mental wellbeing along the way. With winter weather (depending on your location) and the ongoing pandemic, feelings of loneliness, anxiety and exhaustion may surface, and it’s important to remember that help is available. By tapping into the proper support and resources, you can take steps to address and overcome a mental health challenge. This month, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) shared tips to help you take care of your own mental wellbeing during the recent surge of COVID-19 cases and ways to support your loved ones’ resilience. While it may seem like 2022 is off to a challenging start, it’s important to stay motivated and continue finding ways to protect and prioritize your mental wellbeing. Keep an eye on the MHFA blog and social media for additional information and resources. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!     Make Mental Wellbeing a Priority During COVID-19 Many of us have suffered mental health challenges as a result of the pandemic. If the pandemic has caused you to feel lonely, anxious or depressed, it’s important to acknowledge those feelings and seek support. As a Mental Health First Aider, it’s essential to take care of yourself, so you can be better equipped to take care of others. Read more.     How Protective Factors Can Promote Resilience Several factors can give people greater protection from -- or increase their risk of -- experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge. By understanding what protective factors are, you can actively support people in your life, improving their resiliency and lowering their overall risk for developing mental health and substance use challenges. Read more.     Helping Your Friend Connect with a Trusted Adult Being a teenager isn’t always easy! If you feel like a close friend or peer needs support beyond what you are able to provide, it may be time to connect with a trusted adult. teen Mental Health First Aid can help you navigate difficult conversations and help your friend access the support they need. Read more.     Become a Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor Register for a virtual 3-day training from February 14-16 or February 22-24 and join the more than 20,000 Instructors who are empowering people in their communities to support young people in times of need or crisis. For more information visit our webpage or email mhfaapplications@thenationalcouncil.org.     Sign up for National Council advocacy alerts and learn how you can take action to ensure equitable access to high-quality services in your community. Take action when possible. This may include voting, spreading the word in your networks or writing to your legislators.       Buffalo, New York-based nonprofit and social service agency Compeer of Greater Buffalo recently received a $25,000 grant to provide teen Mental Health First Aid training. The organization will train 280 girls attending three regional high schools to help promote positive mental health through meaningful relationships. Read more.     The Fayetteville, North Carolina, Police Department will use $26,000 of a $40,000 grant to train 16 officers in MHFA for First Responders. The training program teaches first responders ways to improve mental wellbeing, reduce stigma around mental illness, help people at risk of suicide or self-harm and refer people to appropriate treatment. Read more.     The upheaval and uncertainty sparked by the pandemic have taken a toll on mental health, and employers are looking for ways to address its impact workplace. The Washington Business Journal interviewed Mental Health First Aid Instructor Sandra Shaklan, who advocates for Mental Health First Aid as a resource to increase mental health awareness and resilience at work. Read more.