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Author Archive: February 2017

smiling woman lying on bed and writing in journal

The Importance of Practicing Gratitude and Celebrating Small Victories

November 17, 2022
November is National Gratitude month, and the beginning of the season when many people may begin to think about what they are grateful for in their life. While it is nice to count your blessings during the holidays, practicing gratitude...
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distressed woman looks out the window

Three Ways to Process Grief

November 15, 2022
When someone we love dies, experiencing feelings of sadness, anger, confusion, regret, guilt and sometimes even relief, is common and natural. The Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) curriculum adds that bereavement grief, which occurs with the death of a loved...
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closeup of American flag patch on army fatigues

Giving Reassurance to Veterans on Veterans Day

November 9, 2022
This Veterans Day, it is important to remember that not every service member experiences Veterans Day in the same way. In fact, some prior service members may not consider themselves veterans at all. This is especially common for service members...
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smiling older adult and her smiling caregiver walk down a hall together

Support Caregivers with Mental Health First Aid

November 2, 2022
November can be a time for s’mores, warm hoodies and crisp air. For me, it’s also a time to reflect, educate, recognize and honor the more than 53 million unpaid caregivers in the U.S. These individuals passionately support family (89%...
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closeup of a line of police officers

Mental Health First Aid in Action: The Importance of the Follow-up

October 28, 2022
What we say and do in response to the signs and symptoms of a mental health or substance use challenge can have a tremendous impact on the perceptions, actions and outcomes of all involved. That’s really true for public safety...
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boys basketball team texting from the bench

What Student Athletes (and Their Coaches) Need to Know About Mental Health

October 18, 2022
In my sophomore year of high school, I took the teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) course as part of my gym class, and my number one takeaway is that mental health is just as important as physical health. This...
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dad and two young kids dance around the living room

10 Ways to Celebrate World Mental Health Day 2022

October 10, 2022
Happy World Mental Health Day! Each year, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) joins the World Health Organization to raise awareness about mental health around the world and support those experiencing mental health and substance use challenges. In honor of the...
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man and woman hugging warmly

Compassion and Mental Health First Aid

October 10, 2022
With World Mental Health Day on Oct. 10, it’s more than fitting to ponder how compassion shows up in the world around us and what it looks like when it does. Where do we witness compassion on a regular basis?...
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smiling male teacher stands in a classroom

4 Reasons to Become a Mental Health First Aid Instructor

October 4, 2022
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 65% of employees say they are rethinking the place that work should have in their lives, and 56% say they want to contribute more to society. Additionally, 31% of the 4.3 million Americans who quit...
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woman walks a fluffy white dog through an orchard of cherry blossoms

Living My Values

October 3, 2022
As a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) trainer who is on the road and in virtual training spaces regularly, I am one who talks about the importance of centering wellbeing and self-care often. Like many in my courses, work and...
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circle of people holding hands raised in the air

Supporting a Loved One During National Recovery Month with Mental Health First Aid

September 26, 2022
September marks National Recovery Month, an annual observance to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the emergence of a strong and proud recovery community and the dedication of service providers and community members across the nation who...
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woman presenting to a room full of colleagues

Beyond the Classroom: How Mental Health First Aid Helps Your Professional Development

September 20, 2022
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is more than a vital awareness and education training. It’s also a great avenue for professional development. Employees who pursue professional development in their careers reap benefits like higher job satisfaction and productivity — in...
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