Older Adults experience mental health challenges about the same rate as the general public. According to the Massachusetts Association for Mental Health, one in four older adults has a mental health issue. And just like people of all ages, you can elevate an older person’s quality of life by learning how to listen, encourage and … Seguir leyendo
More than 4.5 million people have been trained in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA). That is cause for celebration! Of course, we are thrilled that our community of First Aiders is growing. But we measure success in more than numbers. MHFA has one clear and simple goal: to give individuals the skills to identify, understand … Seguir leyendo
The challenges people who live in rural communities are vastly different than those who live in urban areas. What is gained in wide, open spaces is traded for convenience. Trips to the grocery store take more planning and walking or taking public transportation is often not an option. More significant, access to medical services — … Seguir leyendo
Anthony Campbell admits he used to be a “yeller.” Whether it was the way he was raised or his military background that instilled the behavior — probably a bit of both, he said — taking a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course helped him realize there were other effective ways to communicate. “I used to … Seguir leyendo
On the East Coast, the place where firefighters reside is called a firehouse. On the West Coast, it’s called a fire station. Misusing the terms — which may seem insignificant — can cause a shift in credibility when it comes to talking with fire and emergency medical services (EMS) professionals, said Angela Leath, a Mental … Seguir leyendo
Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, Trident Seafoods is the largest vertically integrated seafood harvesting company in North America. Trident Seafoods is headquartered in Seattle, WA, with global operations in six countries and approximately 9,000 employees worldwide. One of the company’s core values is “we care for each other,” and a key part of living … Seguir leyendo
Taking charge of your mental health doesn’t have to mean drastic lifestyle changes. In fact, the smaller the shift, the more likely it is you’ll do it. Big, lofty goals are often unrealistic and quickly fizzle out. For example, you wouldn’t start training for a marathon by running 26.2 miles every day; you would start … Seguir leyendo
I always thought I knew the best way to have a conversation with people. I have three kids, so I thought I knew how to communicate well. But in 2017, after a colleague and I attended a Youth Mental Health First Aid (Youth MHFA) training. We looked at each other halfway through the training and … Seguir leyendo
I started my mental health journey when I was hired at a Centerstone of Illinois clinic as a residential support specialist in a group home setting. This felt like the perfect opportunity for me — I’d always been interested in helping people. Little did I know that years later I would be the one who … Seguir leyendo
I work at an alternative school for middle and high school students. To say my training in Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) is helpful would be an understatement. It’s so useful, in fact, that I’ve taken the training twice — I liked it so much the first time, I wanted to make sure I … Seguir leyendo
Media ContactIrene TungIreneT@TheNationalCouncil.org771-215-5853 Washington, D.C. (May 1, 2023) – In a ceremony held at the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Summit in Los Angeles, California, on April 30, 2023, the National Council for Mental Wellbeing recognized Rare Beauty, California State University, Mental Health America of Northern Kentucky and Southwest Ohio, Yulanda Prude, Marisa Vicere, Michael … Seguir leyendo
Caring for aging parents while raising a family can be challenging. As their child, you feel pressure to care for aging parents, and as a parent, you feel the obligation to tend to your family. As a caregiver, you may feel like you’re being squeezed on both ends, like an uncomfortable sandwich. “Sandwich generation” refers … Seguir leyendo
One more email. One more text. One more date on the calendar. It’s shocking how one more can quickly become 20 more things to do. Soon, it seems you can’t get ahead or catch your breath. While work and personal life will inevitably throw some stressful situations your way, creating healthy boundaries in your daily … Seguir leyendo
How teenagers manage and use social media is a complicated topic. Sure, social media can be a valuable tool and resource. Many times, it’s where teenagers express themselves, develop their identities and connect with others. But it can also be the source of depression, anxiety, sleep deprivation and other mental health challenges. Major concerns are … Seguir leyendo
Having a serious conversation about mental health with a young person can be challenging, to say the least. How do you start the conversation? What should you bring up? How much is too much information? Should it even be discussed? The Mental Health First Aid curricula says national studies estimate that 22.2 percent of youth … Seguir leyendo
When Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) joined forces with kate spade new york for a second time, hope took center stage. The latest campaign with the MHFA Impact Network partner began when the fashion brand saw the profound mental health impact COVID-19 had on the arts and entertainment industry. When Broadway closed for a year … Seguir leyendo
As rates of burnout and mental exhaustion hit record levels, improving mental wellbeing in the workplace is a major focus for employers this year. As an employer, this may not be surprising to hear. While employees are more productive now than ever before, many also have intense feelings of loneliness, depression, seasonal depression, anxiety and … Seguir leyendo
Conversations around weight, food and physical appearance can be complicated and sensitive. This can make it challenging to talk to someone who you think may have an eating disorder. While your intentions are good, these kinds of conversations can make the person feel defensive and perhaps even ashamed. With 28.8 million people in the United … Seguir leyendo
It’s one thing to hear or read online about Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and feel a small flicker of inspiration inside you as an Instructor or Coordinator. It’s a whole other thing to attend a national conference in person and connect with hundreds of other people, including experts and speakers. That really gets the … Seguir leyendo
Media Contact Sophia Majlessi Media@TheNationalCouncil.org 202-621-1631 Board members indicate strong support for resources that help teens identify and respond to mental health or substance use challenges, regardless of political orientation Washington, D.C. (Jan. 25, 2023) – School board members nationwide consider student mental health the most pressing issue facing schools and students today, according to … Seguir leyendo
No matter who you are or what your background is, you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t appreciate a fresh start. A reset. A clean slate. And even though the new year is a great time to set resolutions that support your mental wellbeing, it can also be challenging to follow through. External triggers, … Seguir leyendo
The onset of the holiday season conjures up images of families gathered together, big meals, cozy fires and lots of celebration. But for many people, especially individuals experiencing or in recovery from substance use challenges, the holidays can be tough. The holiday season can be full of triggers — end-of-year deadlines, shopping for gifts and … Seguir leyendo
As the seasons shift and daylight hours decrease, many people find their mood and energy levels affected. You may notice that it’s still dark outside when you start your workday, and maybe also when you leave in the evening. When the days are shorter and the nights are longer, feeling less motivated or even just … Seguir leyendo
As Mental Health First Aiders, knowing how and when to support someone who is experiencing a distressing situation is vital, but can also be difficult to navigate in the moment. The Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Action Plan (ALGEE) is a step-by-step approach to deliver safe and effective support to those in need, taking into … Seguir leyendo
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 for the big and small things in your life can benefit your life all year … Seguir leyendo
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 one, can have some of the same symptoms as major depression, like intense sadness and … Seguir leyendo
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 who have not had combat experience or may not have seen “action” when serving in … Seguir leyendo
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% of those caring for adults are taking care of a relative), friends and community members. … Seguir leyendo
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 officers! Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) focuses on identifying and responding to the early signs … Seguir leyendo
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? I find the notion of compassion most compelling when doing everyday things: when I’m waiting … Seguir leyendo
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 their jobs in January 2022 did so to start a new business, shining a spotlight … Seguir leyendo
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 the stresses of life often disrupt my ability to be consistent. Truthfully, I don’t want … Seguir leyendo
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 make recovery possible in all its forms. Recovery is a personal journey of hope, empowerment … Seguir leyendo
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 addition to knowledge that can serve you throughout your career and your life. With MHFA, … Seguir leyendo
In June, two Ohio State University students died after taking what they believed to be Adderall, a prescription stimulant that is frequently misused by college students, but was actually the synthetic opioid fentanyl. The students were not alone. Accidental fentanyl overdoses occur far beyond campus walls, impacting thousands of individuals, families and communities across the … Seguir leyendo
If you or someone you know is in crisis or having suicidal thoughts, contact someone immediately! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is the second-leading cause of death in the United States among individuals aged 10-14 and 25-34, and it is the 12th leading cause of death overall. These staggering … Seguir leyendo
Taking time off from work has immense benefits for both our physical and mental wellbeing. According to the American Psychological Association, extended time off can increase life satisfaction, improve mental wellbeing, reduce heart disease risks and reduce anxiety and depression. But we don’t take time off! On average, 55% of Americans do not use all … Seguir leyendo
Life can be challenging at times. Everyone experiences feelings like anxiety, sadness and stress now and then. While these feelings are common, it’s important to recognize when they may be interfering with your daily life. If you feel overwhelmed by emotions or experiences, know that you are not alone. Nearly 1 in 5 adults in … Seguir leyendo
We’re bombarded with messages about our physical health. Commercials hawk the latest diet programs or supplements; magazines boast the best workout routines; and subway ads remind you to see your doctor for a physical. These messages usually ignore a very important aspect of our overall health – our mental wellbeing. The National Council for Mental … Seguir leyendo
In June, the National Council for Mental Wellbeing announced a new partnership with the National Association of Counties (NACo). NACo serves nearly 40,000 elected officials and 3.6 million employees in America’s counties, and through the partnership, we’ll offer Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) trainings to those individuals. The National Council-NACo partnership will support elected officials … Seguir leyendo
Trauma and PTSD: What Are They and How Can I Help? *If you feel you or someone you know is in danger, call 911, a local mental health crisis hotline or one of the following national crisis resources for immediate assistance: • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255 (TALK) • Crisis Text Line: Text “MHFA” … Seguir leyendo
After what feels like an eternity of stay-at-home orders and roped off public spaces, a somewhat “normal” summer is a welcome treat. Longer and warmer days, a more flexible work schedule (or even summer break) and an abundance of social activities make this season a favorite for many. However, feelings of anxiety due to rising … Seguir leyendo
It’s no secret that there is an unprecedented mental health crisis in the U.S. However, there is something we can do it about it. We know from the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) curriculum that the sooner a person experiencing a mental health challenge receives support, the more likely they are to recover. But, according … Seguir leyendo
*If your child does or says anything that indicates they have a desire to hurt themselves or others, take them seriously. If you feel your child is in danger, call 911, a local mental health crisis hotline or one of the following national crisis resources for immediate assistance: •National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK (8255) •Crisis … Seguir leyendo
Tobacco use has often been portrayed as harmless, something the “cool” kids do, especially in popular TV shows aimed at teens, like “Skins” and “Euphoria.” But in reality, commercial* tobacco use is the number one cause of preventable disease, disability and death in the U.S. Considering that nearly 90% of adults who smoke daily started … Seguir leyendo
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