Mental Health First Aid Certification

When you think of providing First Aid for someone, what is the first thing that comes to mind?

• The First Aid badge you earned while in Girl or Boy Scouts?
• Taking CPR classes in high school or during swim lessons?
• Keeping a First Aid kit in your house, car or disaster survival box? 

What do you think of when considering Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)?

Kind of puzzling, isn't it?

I was unsure as well, when I signed up for NAMI's Mental First Aid course. As a Mental Health Advocate and Christian Counselor, I was intrigued by the course description. I found it on Facebook under Events.

Course Description:

Just as CPR helps you assist an individual having a heart attack — even if you have no clinical training — Mental Health First Aid helps you assist someone experiencing a mental health related crisis. In the Mental Health First Aid course, you learn risk factors and warning signs for mental health and addiction concerns, strategies for how to help someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations, and where to turn for help.Taught by two certified instructors, Mental Health First Aid teaches about recovery and resiliency – the belief that individuals experiencing these challenges can and do get better, and use their strengths to stay well. 

Learn how to apply the Mental Health First Aid action plan in a variety of situations, including when someone is experiencing panic attacks, suicidal behaviors, acute psychosis or reaction to trauma. The opportunity to practice – through role plays, scenarios, and activities – makes it easier to apply these skills in a real-life situation.

The Mental Health First Aid course originated in Australia. The United States is celebrating the 10 year anniversary of MHFA "Be One in a Million" campaign.

“With one in four Americans experiencing a mental health or addiction disorder each year, the National Council is committed to making this important training as common as CPR,” said Susan Blue, National Council board chair and president and CEO of Community Services Group.

Fighting Stigma is the hardest part of guiding those with Mental Health Issues to seek help or for finding help. Many find that fighting stigma is actually harder than fighting the illness.

Per the Washington Post, "According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 41,149 suicides in 2013, making suicide the 10th-leading cause of death in the United States."

Many people with Mental Health Issues suffer in silence rather than face discrimination or ridicule. Stigma appears in many negative forms: prejudice, discrimination, fear, distrust, stereotyping. Stigma affects quality of care.

There are so many misconceptions, myths, and preconceived notions about Mental Illness that clouds the ability for someone with mental health issues to receive proper care. 

The MHFA program seeks to help dispel the misconceptions surrounding Mental Health issues. Even after receiving certification in Mental Health First Aid, I must assess my own preconceived notions, attitudes, concerns, and beliefs regarding mental illness so that I can effectively offer assistance. 

The most important skill to have is being fully in the present and listening. One of the biggest complaints from those with Mental Health issues is that no one takes the time to listen to them. By being fully present and truly listening can be the most effective help when guiding the distressed individual to support and treatment options.

What I learned during my training for Mental Health First Aid was the ACTION PLAN.

Just like in CPR, the action plan is C-A-B (Chest Compressions - Airway - Breathing) the MHFA  has an action plan, the mnemonic ALGEE.

A - Assess for risk of suicide or harm

L - Listen non-judgmentally

G - Give reassurance and information

E - Encourage appropriate professional help

E - Encourage self-help and other support strategies

In using Mental Health First Aid it's important that we:

Preserve life when a person may be a danger to self or others

Provide help to prevent the problem from becoming more serious

Promote and enhance recovery

Provide comfort and support

It's important to note that MHFA does not teach us to be therapists, but to offer and provide initial help and how to guide a person toward appropriate treatments and other supportive help.

Always keep this in mind: IT'S IMPORTANT TO CARE FOR YOURSELF FIRST!

It's common to feel worn out, frustrated, or even angry after providing MHFA to person in distress. Make sure you are able to talk to someone, de-stress, but always respect the person's privacy!

If you or someone you know would like to take this course, contact your local NAMI office. Or, if you'd like, you can contact me and I will answer your questions and give you more information.

Mental Health Series - Mental Illness a 365 Day Issue

Throughout the year we have various days or weeks, even a month set aside for a reminder to be aware of mental health, or other more significant issue. I'd like to make it known that manic episodes, depression, meltdowns, panic attacks, emotional upheaval, and suicide don't follow the calendar. January is Mental Wellness month, February uses a week for National Eating Disorders Awareness week, March has a National Sleep Awareness week, March is Self Harm Awareness month, April celebrates a World Health Day, April is Stress Awareness month, May celebrates a National Children's Mental Health Day, May also identifies a week for National Anxiety and Depression, May also celebrates a week for National Prevention Week by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrations (SAMHSA), May is Mental Health month, June is PTSD Awareness month, as well as designating one day for National Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness, July is National Minority Mental Health month, September sets aside a day for a World Suicide Prevention day and a National Psychotherapy day, then later in September we celebrate a whole week for National Suicide Prevention. September is full of more special days: Recovery Month SAMHSA, Self-Awareness Month, Self-Improvement Month, October has a National Depression Screening day and a World Mental Health day and even a Mental Illness Awareness week, November has an International Survivors of Suicide day and Mental Health Wellness week. Let's keep these awareness days and weeks going, but also remember, Mental Illness is not something you can cubbyhole into a day, week, or month. It's a 365 day issue and must be address as such. Please help those whose voices cannot be heard.

I've created a Brave Page to show my support and advocacy for more Mental Illness recognition. Every purchase sends $10.00 to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

If you would like to help with this cause, either by sharing this blog, the Brave Page link, or purchasing an item, that would be great. 

If you want to share your story, I'm always here to listen. There are so many untold stories out there. Yours may be one of them. There is no judgement here. There is no condensation. There is no pointing fingers or responses like, "just get over it" or "you don't look sick". Don't those responses make you just want to run away and hide? I know they do for me. Here is your opportunity to share your story, maybe for the first time, in an environment that is supportive and caring.

A dear friend sent me a prayer when I was having some really emotional episodes. It's not a long prayer, but it's very powerful. Read the words. Take then to heart. If you have a journal, copy this pray in it. I did. It's a wonderful reminder of the love and support of others.

"Lord, I thank You that You love and care about me enough to know me well.  You know all about me, and You still love me.  God, I pray I would sense Your amazing love especially when I don't feel known or loved by others.  Whenever I am in a place where I know no one, help me to sense Your love and connection to me in a deeper way than ever."

Have a blessed day.

Vicki

Mental Health Series - Helping Others Cope with Mental Illness

Helping someone you love, who has a mental illness, can be difficult. Providing the support the need may not always be easy.

Many family members blame themselves for the illnesses of their loved one. Don’t do that. It’s not your fault.  It’s important for families “to learn that they didn’t cause [their loved one’s disorder] and they can’t cure it,” according to Harriet Lefley, Ph.D, professor at the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine who’s worked with families for 25 years.

However, how you treat them can have a major impression on their well being. Here are some tips to follow when supporting someone you love with a mental illness.

• Educate yourself about the illness
• Seek resources
•  Be realistic about your expectations
•  Reach out to family and friends for support
•  Work closely with your loved one’s medical support team

Learn all you can by talking to doctors, psychiatrists, therapists, and any one else on your loved one’s medical support team about the type of illness and what to expect.

There are many Internet and community resources available for your support as well as the support of your loved one. You can locate them, interview them, and determine if they’re a suitable resource.

When being realistic about your expectations, understand that there is no cure for mental illness. If your loved one has to stay in the hospital for any length of time and released, they are not “cured”, only stabilized to some point.

Don’t try to do everything on your own. You can’t be there 24/7 for your loved one as well as keep up with a job, family, children, social life, house, and other responsibilities. Ask for help. Ask family and friends to step in and be there for you. Ask for an afternoon off so that you can do some shopping or get a manicure or pedicure. Find some time to yourself so that you can recharge your own personal batteries.

Have a hobby that you can continue to do, even while supporting your loved one. It’s important for you to stay mentally and physically healthy as well. Don’t give up seeing your friends. You need that social interaction to motivate you.

If necessary, keep a journal. It will not only be beneficial to your loved one’s medical support team to know about all the ups and downs of his/her mental illness, but to understand how you are coping as well. Use the journal to vent your emotions and record your own ups and downs with supporting a loved one with a mental illness. Getting the thoughts out of your head and onto paper can bring a great relief.

Support for Veterans

Today is Veteran's Day. A day to remember our brave women and men who served in the military.

From the Almanac website here is a bit of history about Veteran's Day.

"Originally Armistice Day, commemorating the signing of the agreement that ended World War I at 11:00 A.M., November 11, 1918, this federal holiday was changed to Veterans Day in 1954. At that time, it became a day to honor all the men and women who have served in the armed forces of the United States. Each year, special ceremonies are held at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. Consider spending some time on-line learning more about our nation's veterans. The Great War Society has developed a Web site devoted to World War I educational materials. The World War IIMemorial celebrates the victory of “the greatest generation” with a design that uses moving water to harmonize with its natural surroundings. Visit the Korean War Veterans Memorial online; this moving memorial, dedicated in 1995, is the latest addition to the National Mall in Washington, D.C. See a registry of all the names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington. Learn more about the military men and women who are on duty today."

It's important to support and honor those who served our country and put their lives on the line to save yours. Whether they served in wars, built military equipment, or ran the Mess Hall, each one of those people should be honored.

Veterans coming home bring back some unimaginable memories. Memories that they'd like to forget. Some come back without limbs or even worse, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Here are some tips on Supporting Veterans.

Transiting from the armed forces to civilian life may not be as easy as it could be for some people. Some Veterans need some support to help them find their way in the civilian world. There are resources for that in your community and on the Internet.

You may need to find a job, find a place to live, or even find health care to help you in your time of need.

Veterans perform a job with the military that can reflect no other. Their courage, strength, and fortitude are matchless. We must not forget the sacrifices they and their families made while they were serving our country.

One of the first places someone can turn to is the Department of Veteran Affairs. Not only will they help you establish your GI Bill, if need be, but they can help you with establishing a VA loan for housing and obtaining medical benefits.

Not every veteran who returns from a tour in the military finds their footing. There are organizations and community resources to give you a step up and a helping hand, if necessary.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a serious disorder afflicting many of our veterans. It’s a serious, silent illness that can keep a person from pursing the happier moments of being home and among family. There is support for PTSD as well in the form of therapy, counseling, and hospitalization depending on the severity.

Things that a newly returning veteran can do are establishing a routine. Don’t become complacent or discontent with your situation. Work to make a change for the better. If you need to find a job, look for one in the local papers, use your network with the VA, and join community services that help you locate employment.

If finding a place to live is your priority, you can do that as well. Use your VA resources, your ability to purchase a home with a VA loan, and other resources available in your community to locate housing.

If healthcare is your priority, you can definitely use the VA resources to find medical care at a Veterans Hospital or clinic. If one isn’t currently available in your area, contact the Department of VeteranAffairs to find the one closest to your area.

It’s important to stay positive and upbeat. You are a survivor. You are a hero. You are confident and strong. Use the help of family and friends to establish your civilian life and before you know it, you’ll be telling stories of the time you were in the military to your friends over a nice barbeque in your new backyard.

Semper Fi, from a U. S. Marine Corps Disabled Veteran. 

Mental Health Series - Mental Health Support

Having a Mental Health Disorder is not the end of the world. Many people function quite well in society in spite of it.

The first thing you have to understand is that you didn’t cause this to happen to you. Nor should your family members blame themselves. There are many people with mental health problems; you are not the only one. It’s not a defect in your personality, or an ethical limitation. It’s a health condition. And like other health conditions, it’s rarely caused by one specific thing. As far as Mental Health Disorders, lots of various factors can be involved, such as:

·      Your family history

·      Stressful events – loss, conflict, childbirth

·     Stressful life situations – low income, poor housing

·     Other health problems – substance abuse, other mental health issues

·      Environment – seasonal changes and related seasonal issues

·      Personality and thinking style – how you look at the world, how you deal with troubling events or situations, learned behaviors of watching others cope

Sometimes you may have been diagnosed with more than one Mental Health Disorder. It’s very common for people to have more than one disorder at a time. For many with mood problems, they also experience mental disorders. 

Sometimes your diagnosis will change over time when new information comes along or new symptoms occur. For some, your diagnosis may be longer lasting. It’s best to let the professionals who are treating you determine your diagnosis, what are true symptoms, and treatment plans.

As for you, it’s important to be as knowledgeable, cognizant, and absorbed as you possibly can in your own mental health. You must get involved in your treatment plans and share the decision making with your support team.

Your support team should consist of close family members or friends. A faith leader, health care provider, your psychiatrist and either your spouse or other trusted person should also be included.

Your support system should give you good advice, help when you need it, allow you space when necessary, listen to you, respect your need for confidentiality, work with you on figuring how what to do the next time you experience a bad episode, and always have your best interest in mind.

Keeping a journal is a way for you to have some control over your thoughts and feelings. You can write them down in your journal along with any symptoms you may experience, as well as mood changes. These will all be beneficial to your psychiatrist in keeping current with your treatment plan.

Turn to God. He is always there to comfort you. Spend time in prayer and in listening to God's message. Become involved in your church functions. You can't find amy better support than your brothers and sisters in Christ.

Finally, join a reputable and safe online Mental Health community that supports each other  and provides up to date information.