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Mental Health First Aid Logo

Andrea Sirois standing in front of a screen

Community, Placemaking, Passion: Mental Health First Aid in Local Government Feeling a sense of community is essential for mental wellbeing, but finding and building community isn’t always easy. We sometimes overlook the communities where we live and work as spaces for us to come together and build support systems. But Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) … Seguir leyendo

The changing leaves and cooler weather aren’t the only things to look forward to this fall: October 10th is World Mental Health Day. World Mental Health Day is a universal call to action. By starting conversations, sharing resources and supporting those around us, we can build a future where mental wellbeing isn’t just possible — … Seguir leyendo

Between school, social media and other pressures, young people face a variety of unique mental health challenges. In fact, 49.5% of adolescents (ages 13-18) live with a mental disorder (National Institute of Mental Health), and suicide is the second-leading cause of death for youth (ages 15-19) (National Center for Health Statistics). It can be hard … Seguir leyendo

Let’s get real: there are times in life when you’re going to feel overwhelmed. Whether it be with work, school, social obligations or just life in general, we all feel overwhelmed, anxious, or stressed at some point. It’s important to give yourself grace when you have these feelings. Try not to brush them off or … Seguir leyendo

The “Sunday Scaries.” You know that feeling: tomorrow is Monday, another week of work, and your relaxation time is over. It can feel like a pit in your stomach, maybe it makes your heart flutter. Sometimes, it can escalate and paralyze you into staying in bed. Weekends are supposed to be a time to recharge … Seguir leyendo

What is ALGEE? It’s that green stuff in the water, right? Close — that’s algae. ALGEE is an action plan developed by Mental Health First Aid to guide anyone as they assist someone experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge in crisis and non-crisis situations.  We learn how to help ourselves and each other … Seguir leyendo

Research has shown that stress is a risk factor in the workplace with two in three employees naming work as a significant source of stress in their lives. Building resiliency, or how people manage and recover from difficult situations is a crucial skill for improving mental health and well-being in the workplace, while increasing productivity … Seguir leyendo

The benefits of self-care can be much more than a fresh glow after using a face mask. Self-care is a frequent social media buzzword, but why is self-care important? While the answers might look different for everyone, self-care is something everyone needs. Mental health challenges are common — 23.4% of adults experienced mental illness 2024 … Seguir leyendo

Nothing deflates the excitement of a Friday afternoon more than the Sunday Blues hitting way too soon afterward. One moment, you have the whole weekend ahead of you and the possibilities seem endless. The next moment, it’s Sunday, you go back to work or school tomorrow, and you just can’t relax anymore. What are the … Seguir leyendo

Mental health challenges affect 1 in 5 youth each year, yet most never get the support they need. Too often, young people stay quiet, try to handle things alone or believe that no one would care if they got better. Caring adults can make all the difference, but only if they know how to recognize … Seguir leyendo

It isn’t just about the millions of people trained. It’s about the ripple effect: the students who feel seen, parents who feel prepared, colleagues who feel supported.

La seguridad es primordial en la planta de producción. Sea cual sea el trabajo, llevar a los trabajadores a casa sanos y salvos es siempre más importante que sacar el producto por la puerta. Sin embargo, ese cuidado no siempre se extiende a la salud mental de los trabajadores.

Adults often joke about the moodiness and unpredictable nature of teenagers. As teens go through puberty, spend more time with friends and less with family and discover their own identities, the shifts don’t come easy — for them or their families. But, as a parent or guardian, when should you be concerned about your teen’s … Seguir leyendo

Have you ever noticed a friend or family member become more distant? Or leaning on alcohol to cope? While talking about mental health challenges has become more normalized, it can be hard to know what to do or say when a friend, family member or colleague seems to be experiencing a mental health or substance … Seguir leyendo

More than 4.5 million people in the U.S. have already been trained in MHFA. If you haven’t brought the training to your organization yet, now is a great time.

“Doomscroll.” “Brainrot.” These terms, and more like them, refer to the amount of time we spend absorbing negativity from our phone’s news and social media feeds. And they’ve quickly become part of our everyday vocabularies. The concern over doomscrolling isn’t for nothing: concerns persist about smartphone and social media use and mental health, particularly among … Seguir leyendo

Becoming a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Instructor is a powerful way to make a difference in your community.

At this year’s Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Summit in Philadelphia, we came together to celebrate 25 incredible years of teaching people how to support mental health around the world — and to look ahead to what’s next. As MHFA International marked its 25th anniversary, hundreds of dedicated professionals, supporters, MHFA Instructors and Coordinators came … Seguir leyendo

The annual MHFA Impact Awards celebrate individuals and groups that are true leaders in changing the conversation surrounding mental health.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this year the National Council for Mental Wellbeing invites you to prioritize your mental health.

As young adults carve out their place in the world, their new interests and pursuits often push them away from the scaffolding of the familiar – family and high school friend groups – leaving many feeling untethered as they transition to adulthood. Youth who have experienced trauma or identify as part of marginalized populations may … Seguir leyendo

College can be an incredibly exciting time for young adults – and it comes with potential stressors like financial burdens, academic pressure, homesickness and pandemic-related hardships like social isolation, any or all of which can lead to mental health challenges. A study by the American College Health Association found that 48% of college students reported … Seguir leyendo

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 is especially true for student athletes like me, who often sacrifice their mental wellbeing for … Seguir leyendo

Beginning or returning to college can be an exciting time for students. Each year is a new chapter filled with learning, discovery and opportunities. But, how students respond to the stressors of higher education varies from person to person — and sometimes anxiety, depression and substance use challenges affect physical and mental wellbeing. If not … Seguir leyendo

College campuses are a melting pot of cultures and experiences. Students can hail from the same state as their school, or from across the world. Some are first-generation students and some have alumni in their family. Some live in dorms on campus while others may live in off-campus apartments. But among the differences, one statistic … Seguir leyendo

Mental health in college students is a big issue on campuses these days. Across the United States, over 45% of college students are struggling with their mental health, contributing to soaring degree incompletion rates of 39%. College life can be very stressful, with tough academics and social pressures — not to mention the transition into … Seguir leyendo

Getting good grades. College and job applications. Extra-curricular activities. The list goes on. High school students face pressure every day to do everything and do it well. Because there is so much going on, mental health and wellbeing can often be forgotten until it has an impact on the person’s ability to live their life. … Seguir leyendo

Mental wellbeing is more important than ever for keeping employees engaged, productive and happy at work. As workplaces evolve, it’s clear that understanding and supporting mental health is key to success. Changes in Workplace Wellbeing Workplace wellbeing has come a long way. With rising workplace stressors and the shift toward remote and hybrid work, organizations … Seguir leyendo

When Brian Marquez was in high school, he never imagined that his future path would lead him back to those very same classrooms. But that’s exactly what happened. His full circle story is one of inspiration and a deep desire to make a difference. After completing his teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) certification, Marquez … Seguir leyendo

It’s easy to feel mentally exhausted in a world that demands so much of our time, energy and focus. Many people push themselves from sunup to sundown in a quest to keep up with responsibilities at home and work, juggling social events, kids’ activities and other commitments. With all this, the need to take care … Seguir leyendo

He aquí algunos consejos que le ayudarán a ofrecer apoyo mientras navega por las complejidades de la salud mental, sin entrar en el papel de terapeuta.

A lo largo de la última década, numerosas investigaciones han demostrado cómo los primeros auxilios en salud mental mejoran los resultados en este ámbito en todo Estados Unidos.

The new year is often seen as a fresh start, and it’s the perfect time to focus on finding a healthy work-life balance.

For many people, the holiday season is full of excitement, celebration and a dollop of chaos. But after the holidays are over, we might feel drained, stressed or burned out. The rush of shopping, planning, cooking and spending time with family can leave us exhausted. As we enter the new year, it’s important to find … Seguir leyendo

We received hundreds of submissions to our ALGEE Creative Captions Contest, clever and inspiring captions that brought ALGEE to life.

Did you know? One in five people in the U.S. — that’s approximately 43.8 million people — experiences a mental health challenge in any given year. This means that someone you know may be struggling right now. Since 2008, we have taught more than 4.5 million people how to help others in need and take … Seguir leyendo

In today’s fast-paced work environment, where deadlines loom large and expectations seem never-ending, it’s easy to forget the simple, yet profound, power of gratitude. More than a feel-good exercise or seasonal buzzword, gratitude is a transformative force that can reshape workplaces, strengthen connections and uplift spirits in the face of life’s inevitable challenges. And, as … Seguir leyendo

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) USA believes that mental health awareness and self-care go hand in hand. Our partnership with Erborian, a pioneering Korean skincare brand known for its innovative hybrid skincare-makeup products, exemplifies this connection. Together, we are committed to reshaping the narrative around self-care by emphasizing the importance of mental wellbeing. A Shared … Seguir leyendo

November 23 marks International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day — a day dedicated to those affected by suicide, offering a space for healing, connection and shared understanding. This observance shines a light on the grief experienced by those who have lost a loved one to suicide, providing an opportunity for survivors to come together, reflect … Seguir leyendo

Supporting someone who may be struggling with mental health is one of the most meaningful things you can do. Whether it’s a friend, family member or colleague, your care and understanding can make a significant difference. With nearly 1 in 5 people in the U.S. living with a mental illness, there’s a good chance someone … Seguir leyendo

It’s World Mental Health Day! Today, we celebrate not only the importance of mental health awareness but also a significant milestone: we have officially trained 4.5 million Mental Health First Aiders! Each year, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) raises awareness about mental health around the world and supports those experiencing mental health and substance use … Seguir leyendo

In 2022, about 49,476 in the U.S died by suicide — an average of one person every 11 minutes — according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In honor of Suicide Prevention Month, we’re highlighting Karen Carreira, a dedicated advocate for mental health and suicide prevention. With over 20 years of experience … Seguir leyendo

September is National Recovery Month 2024 — a time to honor the resilience of those who have faced mental health and substance use challenges.

In 2022, nearly 49,476 people in the U.S. died by suicide — an average of one person every 11 minutes — according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10–14 and the 12th leading cause of death overall in the U.S. And for every suicide … Seguir leyendo