Mental Health Awareness
Mental health is a hot topic. This is good news. It means the stigma for mental health issues is slowly going away. Mental health issues are finally getting the attention they deserve. Healthcare workers and individuals feel they can discuss mental health more openly. However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t still work to do.
As a whole, we often misunderstand mental health because it is hard to define. Additionally, mental health includes several areas. These areas involve one’s social, emotional, and psychological well-being. Mental health affects thoughts, feelings, and actions. When one has positive mental health, they are better equipped to handle stress, be more productive, and realize their full potential.
While we focus on our physical wellbeing, the food we eat, exercise, and getting regular check-ups for vision and dental care, we often forget to take stock of our emotional and spiritual needs. Everyday demands take their toll. Taking care of our mental health is as normal as eating healthy, exercising, or even saving for the future.
How to Help Others Experiencing Mental Health Issues
Each year, more than one in five Americans experiences a mental illness or substance use disorder. Yet, as a society, we remain largely ignorant about the signs and symptoms, and don’t know how to help a person in need. Our lack of awareness often prevents people who need treatment from getting appropriate care.
This is where Mental Health First Aid comes in. Mental Health First Aid provides proven practices that will help participants recognize the early signs and symptoms of mental illness and substance misuse. Participants will learn how to listen without judgement, and respond to and help someone in distress until they can get the professional care they may need.
“The truth of the matter is that you are more likely to encounter someone who is experiencing a behavioral health condition or crisis than someone facing a physical emergency”, said Laira Roth, the National Council for Behavioral Health’s project manager for the first aid course. (Source: Washington Post)
When you take a course, you learn how to apply the Mental Health First Aid action plan in a variety of situations, including when someone is experiencing:
- Panic attacks
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
- Non-suicidal self-injury
- Acute psychosis (e.g., hallucinations or delusions)
- Overdose or withdrawal from alcohol or drug use
- Reaction to a traumatic event
The opportunity to practice — through role plays, scenarios, and activities — makes it easier to apply these skills in a real-life situation.
Mental Health First Aid Courses Coming to RCAB
We are in the process of scheduling Mental Health First Aid courses for the Archdiocese of Boston. We are offering two types of classes: Adult Mental Health First Aid and Youth Mental Health First Aid. Both courses are open to parish and school staff members who are over 18 years old. Each course accommodates a maximum of 30 participants.
If you are interested in hosting a course, please call Doreen Rearden at 617-746-5748.
Upcoming Trainings
March 15, 2025
Youth Mental Health First Aid
St. James Church at Mary Queen of the Apostles Parish
150 Federal St., Salem, MA
9:00 am – 4:30 pm (lunch provided)
To register, go to: https://rcabrisk.org/mhfa/
Resources for Children and Adolescents
Mental Health America
National Alliance on Mental Illness
mentalhealth.org
National Institutes of Mental Health
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration
American Psychiatric Association