Jill Ramsey, a Mental Health First Aid Instructor, traveled more than 700 miles to teach a course in St. Paul, a remote native town in the Pribilof Islands off the coast of Alaska. Her students included the one health care provider, the lone teacher, the two law enforcement officers, the Russian Orthodox priest and even … Read more
Growing up, everyone I knew wanted to be a police officer, doctor or firefighter. Me? I wanted to be a psychologist. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and have experience providing case management services for people living with severe mental illnesses. I also served as a behavioral health technician for the U.S. Army … Read more
Have you ever asked a firefighter, “What is the worst call you has ever been on?” Don’t! Your well-meaning question is like asking them to flip through the mental files of incidents they are trying to heal from. And as the memories flood back, they’re also thinking, “How can you possibly understand how bad ‘the … Read more
Some days John McCormack feels like he can take on the world. But then he hears a baby cry or a siren wail, “and my heart starts pounding and I experience a gut-wrenching feeling,” he said. John is a paramedic with the NSW Ambulance in New South Wales, Australia, and he battles the symptoms of … Read more
Today is World Mental Health Day, and this year’s focus on adolescent mental health is timely. One in five teens and young adults lives with a mental health condition. Half of them develop the condition by age 14, but too often their problems go undetected and untreated. Globally, depression is one of the leading causes … Read more
We don’t provide our services in a vacuum. We are people who provide services to other people. And like many first responders across the country, the Clifton Fire Department in Clifton, N.J., is seeing an increasing number of calls from people who are experiencing some kind of mental health or substance use crisis. This is … Read more
By any measure, 2018 has been a difficult year for firefighters and emergency medical service (EMS) personnel. Firefighters in California battled the worst fire season on record, and EMS personnel were on hand during and in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in the Carolinas, not to mention several high-profile mass shootings. This month we are … Read more
National Council Teams with Kate Spade New York for Mental Health First Aid Training WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 25, 2018) – The National Council for Mental Wellbeing has teamed with Kate Spade New York to train the company’s human resources and corporate staff in Mental Health First Aid, Linda Rosenberg, President and CEO of the National … Read more
From living on your own to partying without a curfew, college offers a panoply of first-time experiences. There’s one “first,” however, that no college student wishes for — a first-time brush with mental illness. But it’s a possibility that anyone headed for college needs to be prepared for, based on the following data: Depression (major … Read more
Damien Johnson owns and operates Charlotte, N.C.’s No Grease Barber School and knows firsthand how mental illness impacts his clients. Johnson says he hears stories day in and day out of men struggling – not with bills or relationships – but with mental illness, depression and thoughts of suicide. “As men, they don’t readily share these struggles, but … Read more
A death by suicide is often met with a would’ve, could’ve or should’ve. If he would’ve told me, maybe I could’ve done something. Even though he never said a word, I should’ve known. Unfortunately, I know a thing or two about suicide – with an emphasis on two. I lost two brothers, Mark and Matthew, … Read more
The National Council for Mental Wellbeing is proud to partner with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to train local club staff in Youth Mental Health First Aid. The eight-hour course teaches parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent … Read more
In June, designer Kate Spade’s and chef Anthony Bourdain’s suicides reminded us that suicide does not discriminate. It can impact anyone, and it is often unexpected. Numerous factors can put a person at risk, including family history of suicide, substance abuse, access to firearms, a history of trauma, chronic illness, prolonged stress and isolation. And … Read more
Your boyfriend or girlfriend breaks up with you. Your beloved pet dies. Your hoped-for promotion at work falls through. We all feel sad or “blue” when bad things happen, but everyday sadness is not a depressive disorder. When you know how to help someone with depression, you can #BeTheDifference and connect them to the support … Read more
Hi, my name is Ramon Cruz and I am a person in recovery from mental health and substance use disorders. For many years, I carried a good deal of anger and resentment so, instead of addressing my issues, I turned to using drugs. Unlike many others, my addiction began in prison. It happened at one … Read more
September is National Recovery Month and Mental Health First Aid can be the first step on the road to recovery. You can literally #BeTheDifference in someone’s life by knowing how to understand, recognize and respond to someone experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis. Recovery is a personal journey of hope, empowerment and autonomy. … Read more
Mental Health First Aid teaches people how to understand, recognize and respond to people who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis and connect people to care, if necessary. But what happens after people make the decision to see a therapist? Finding and choosing a therapist can be a daunting task. This … Read more
The face of mental illness can be deceptive, hidden behind big smiles, wide eyes and exuberant expressions forced into place to avoid detection. Millions of people every day wear a rehearsed look of “all is right with the world.” Many muster the courage to slog through the school day or work week. Without professional intervention, … Read more
“It’s probably not a big deal. I’m probably overreacting,” thought Sara, a graduate student at the University of Michigan, when her dark thoughts were not going away. She was sitting in her university’s counseling center at the time (What colleges must do to promote mental health for graduate students, The Conversation, August 3, 2018). Not … Read more
“Hello, I am the protective factor,” was the unorthodox greeting I recently received following congregational prayer in my local mosque. The elderly gentleman who approached me was a participant in a Mental Health First Aid class a few weeks prior. He went on to explain that in the class he learned that youth need to … Read more
Mental health is an issue that touches teachers and school administrators in their work across the country. ThriveNYC has teamed up with the Department of Education and the Department of Health to train school faculty and staff in Mental Health First Aid to help them better support their students’ wellbeing and education. Mental illness can … Read more
More than 60,000 people in New York city are homeless. That statistic includes more than 15,000 families and 22,000 children who sleep each night in the New York City municipal shelter system. What’s more, a large majority of people who are homeless also live with a mental illness. New York’s Department of Homeless Services has … Read more
“If you see something, say something” became a popular slogan in the aftermath of 9/11; however, my eyes bore witness to a number of situations that remained unspoken for more than nine or eleven years. Raised in a ginormous, loving, familial environment replete with its own rendition of This Christmas, Almost Christmas, Boyz N Da … Read more
Esther Ha was 21 when she died by suicide. She had been living with depression for years, something that, across Korean communities and culture, is often shrugged off or simply ignored. Her parents, Yonghwa and Katie Ha, are now working to change that. In 2014, they created the Esther Ha Foundation in memoriam to their … Read more
Many faith communities are at the front lines of the fight for better mental health. A faith community – whether a mosque, church, synagogue or temple – provides a space for people to connect with others and to find and give support in trying times. More and more, faith communities are bringing Mental Health First … Read more
Statement by Betsy Schwartz, Vice President, Public Education and Strategic Initiatives, National Council for Mental Wellbeing WASHINGTON, D.C. (Aug. 9, 2018) – As wildfires burn throughout California – making this the worst fire season in years – firefighters on the frontlines are working around the clock to beat back racing inferno. It’s difficult for most … Read more
Your patience and understanding will make all the difference in your loved one’s bipolar disorder treatment and recovery—these tried and true tips can help you be their source of empowerment and strength. If you have a friend, family member or partner who has bipolar disorder, you may feel that many days are an intense and … Read more
College marks a new beginning in a child’s life – for many it’s the first tentative steps away from the safety of their home. It is when a child becomes a young adult, and when they may quickly become aware that they are truly “on their own” for the first time. With high school friends … Read more
As a trained Mental Health First Aider, you know that mental illness and substance use disorders are prevalent. And that’s true for young people, too: one in five youth aged 13-18 will experience a mental illness in their lifetime. That means that in a classroom of 25 students, five will have a mental illness. To … Read more
Michaela is a high school sophomore. She’s a straight A student, excels as point guard on the girls’ basketball team, plays second chair clarinet in the marching band and is popular with teachers and other students alike. Suddenly, Michaela starts showing up late for class. She stops turning in her homework on time, misses several … Read more
Summer is a great time to think about self-care. With long sunny days and warmer weather, there are more opportunities than ever to switch up your routine and enjoy what the season has to offer. Use our self-care checklist to get some ideas for taking care of yourself this summer. We hope these suggestions will … Read more
This piece was originally published on Linda’s Corner Office blog. Read it here. How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives. – Annie Dillard The iconic designer Kate Spade hid her depression and anxiety behind her bright smile and colorful, eponymous brand. That made her death by suicide earlier this year even more … Read more
Our beloved America is in constant mourning over the many people who have lost their lives to suicide. From celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain to fashion icon, Kate Spade; we think we know our family and friends so well, but do we really? The signs are sometimes there, and sometimes they are not. I unfortunately have … Read more
The Rock. Prince Harry. Logic. Ryan Reynolds. Michael Phelps. Kevin Love. Brandon Marshall. These famous men have courageously opened up about their struggles with a silent illness that’s eschewed when it comes to traditional masculinity: Depression. Depression in men is a common yet treatable health condition that’s shrouded in myths about weakness and willpower. Here are four … Read more
With an estimated 16.2 million adults in the United States experiencing at least one major depressive episode in a given year, understanding depression – what it is, who it affects and where you can find help – is increasingly important. Equipped with a better understanding of depression, you may be able to better support someone … Read more
Anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental illness in the United States, affecting 40 million adults each year. Yet only 36.9 percent of people living with anxiety disorders receive treatment. The good news? In addition to seeking professional treatment, there are self-care tools you can use daily to manage symptoms of anxiety. Learn … Read more
For more than a decade, I was a global advocate for people living with HIV/AIDS. Sadly, I grew accustomed to people whispering in my ear, “I’m HIV positive.” They didn’t say it aloud because the stigma was deep and profound. Unfortunately, shame and stigma are just as real in the world of mental illness. When … Read more
Unless you’ve experienced it firsthand, it’s nearly impossible to understand the emotional impact receiving a poor physical prognosis can have on someone. This unfortunate circumstance can bring on a multitude of different feelings, including denial, regret and frustration. It can also leave patients vulnerable to developing depression and anxiety and other mental health conditions that … Read more
Summer is a great time to focus in on your self-care routine. Getting outside, shopping for fresh fruits and veggies at the farmers market and listening to upbeat summer tunes are all wonderful ways to take care of yourself during the warmer months! For #BeTheDifference in July, we’ll be talking about ways to practice self-care … Read more
This article originally appeared on www.BravadoHealth.com. Read it here. In July 2017, my 20-year-old son’s best friend, Jack, took his own life. Jack had battled depression in the past. At the time his parent’s sought counseling and Jack seemed to be doing well during the year prior to his suicide. By all accounts, Jack had kissed … Read more
In 2016, an estimated 16.2 million adults in the United States had at least one major depressive episode – 6.7 percent of all U.S. adults. But with appropriate professional and self-help strategies, recovery from depression is possible. Self-help for depression can help alleviate symptoms and put someone on the path to recovery. Here are 5 … Read more
For years, most states have mandated that schools provide physical health education. This year, New York and Virginia will be the first two states to pass laws that require mental health education, too. Mental health education will be integrated into the curriculum from kindergarten through 12th grade in New York, and from ninth to 10th … Read more
Laura might have had an inkling that something was awry with her mother’s mental health, but at 12 years old, she didn’t have the knowledge or understanding of what it could be. The one thing she did know – or thought she knew – was that her mother’s behavior was her problem to bear. It … Read more
If you notice a friend or loved one experiencing a substance use challenge, you may want to help, but might not know what to say or what to do. One of the first and most important steps you can take is to start the conversation and create a safe place where your loved ones feels … Read more
With the recent suicides of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain, suicide prevention and mental health awareness are a significant part of the daily news cycle. As someone who has been affected personally by suicides, I am hopeful that the more open we are about these issues, the less it becomes a taboo topic. As a … Read more
A lot can be said without words in a face-to-face conversation. Often, our non-verbal communication—our facial expressions, body posture, eye contact, etc.—speaks loudest. These non-verbal cues play a huge role in how our words and intentions are interpreted. Good non-verbal skills can help show your support by expressing you genuinely care and are truly hearing … Read more
In a week that was marred by tragedy, the world lost two icons: Designer Kate Spade on June 5 and chef Anthony Bourdain on June 8, both from apparent suicide. Spade and Bourdain’s deaths have sent shock waves throughout the country. Coupled with data recently released from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) … Read more
Did you know that more than 40 percent of people who live with addiction also have another mental health challenge of some kind? It’s no surprise that the correlation between mental health and drug use is extremely connected and it’s important for both those living with addiction and their loved ones to understand this relationship. … Read more
Unlike physical health challenges — like scrapes and cuts or the flu — mental health and substance use challenges often remain unseen. And because we can’t always see mental health challenges, it’s important that we feel comfortable having conversations about them. Talking about mental health can be difficult and awkward, but it doesn’t have to … Read more
Most people experience stress and anxiety at some point in their lives. Depending on the level of severity, they can detrimentally impact one’s quality of life. Although stress and anxiety share many of the same emotional and physical symptoms — uneasiness, tension, headaches, high blood pressure and loss of sleep – they have very different … Read more
