Mental illness training useful for faculty and staff
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) was extremely helpful to me, not only as a student, but for my future as well.
One in four people experience a mental health issue at some point in their lives, but despite this, mental health problems are not often discussed.
Krysti Deines
Peer educator with Campus Suicide Prevention
If someone has a physical illness or broken bone, it is frequently talked about or shown off. When a person struggles with a mental illness, it is hidden from others or simply ignored.
Recognizing the signs of mental illness or substance abuse is critical for University of Idaho students, faculty and staff. The demands of multiple courses, outside work and maintaining social balance leads many students to get overwhelmed at times.
Being aware of when someone is exhibiting signs of depression, anxiety or substance use, in addition to being overwhelmed, is an important step in getting them the help they need.
College is also a time for experimentation with substances, such as alcohol and other drugs. It is helpful to have students, faculty and staff who understand the difference between substance use and substance abuse and are able recognize the signs in someone who could be struggling.
One of the most important things I learned in taking MHFA was how to approach someone who may be experiencing a mental illness. The stigma against mental health problems leaves many people at a loss about how to talk about mental health.
MHFA reviews things that are helpful to say to someone or actions you can take. It also discusses statements that are not helpful.
Some of the “not helpful” statements are ones many people use, such as “I know how you feel.” I work at a substance abuse clinic in Moscow, and one of the frequent calls I receive is people asking how they can get help for someone they are concerned about.
MHFA addresses how to talk to those who may be struggling with substance use and abuse in a non-judgmental way. This training has been helpful to me in my work. As office staff, I am the first contact for people before they see a counselor. MHFA helped me recognize what to look for in determining what would be the most helpful service.
MHFA covers depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, trauma, psychosis and addiction. MHFA teaches participants an action plan they could use in a variety of situations, including when someone is experiencing a panic attack, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, non-suicidal self-injury, acute psychosis such as hallucinations or delusions, overdose or withdrawal from alcohol or drug use and reactions to a traumatic event.
In the training, you will have the opportunity to practice and apply the skills you learn in a real-life situation. MHFA is a great resource for all to have and it’s something you will likely use throughout your life.
Contributing: Victoria Plaster, peer educator.
Krysti Deines is a peer educator at Campus Suicide Prevention.
She can be reached at [email protected]