Mental Health First Aid? Learn it like you learn CPR

(BPT) - Most people in the United States — 65% according to Harvard Health — have a general understanding of first aid, the Heimlich maneuver and CPR. That's great! We should all know what to do if someone needs help.

But what about mental health? Could you spot signs of depression or substance use? Would you know what to do if a loved one, coworker or neighbor was experiencing a mental health crisis?

If not, you might want to get trained in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA). There's no better time than the present, especially since you might be setting intentions and resolutions for the New Year.

MHFA is an evidence-based training program from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing that teaches everyday people how to recognize and respond to someone who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge. MHFA Instructors have trained over 4 million Mental Health First Aiders since the program was first introduced in 2008.

MHFA offers online, hybrid and in-person courses that cover:

• Common signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges.
• How to interact with a person who may be experiencing a crisis.
• How to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone in need until they are connected to appropriate professional help.
• Self-care tips and how to create a realistic and effective self-care plan.

6 reasons you should get trained in MHFA

We have a mental health crisis in this country. Knowing how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health challenges or substance use is becoming more and more critical in our society today. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported this country is in the midst of a mental health crisis. According to the CDC and other sources, nearly 60 million people in the U.S. reported having a mental health challenge within the past year, including depression, suicidal thoughts, sadness, anxiety and substance use.

Young people are especially vulnerable. The percentage of people living with mental health challenges is higher when you're talking about youth. In 2023, close to one in five adolescents aged 12 to 17 had a major depressive episode.

You don't need a degree or certification. You don't need any special qualifications to take an MHFA course. Just like courses in CPR or first aid aren't strictly for health professionals, the MHFA courses are for everyday people who don't have a degree in health care or social work.

You want to make a difference in your community. MHFA's mission is to ensure that everyone in America has at least one Mental Health First Aider within their close circle of friends, family and peers. Every 1 in 15 people should be certified to recognize, understand and respond to mental health and substance use challenges. When more people are equipped with the tools to start a dialogue, more people can get the help they need. Mental Health First Aiders are a vital link, connecting those experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge with appropriate support.

You suspect someone in your life is dealing with something. Many people speculate that a loved one may be experiencing depression, anxiety or substance abuse, but don't know what to do, whom to call or how to help. MHFA training can empower you to be that bridge to getting your loved ones the help they need. When more people are equipped with the tools to start a dialogue, more people can get the help they need.

You need self-care, too. Self-care is a key component of MHFA. You know how during the safety announcement on an airplane, they tell you to put on your own mask first before helping others? This is the same principle. Take care of your own body and mind, to be the best version of yourself, especially when others need you.

MHFA offers several audiences, including Mental Health First Aid for Adults and Youth Mental Health First Aid, for adults who regularly interact with adolescents, including teachers, coaches and parents. Take the first step by searching for courses near you.

Remember, you don't need any special training or skills to take a course. Only the desire to make a difference this holiday season and beyond.