Many of us may be familiar with the phrase, “Hindsight is 20/20.” I know I am. I routinely wish I had known many of the things I know now when … Read more
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You know that feeling when everything is going great, and suddenly you realize you’re 10 minutes late for an appointment, someone is rude to you or you drop everything you’re … Read more
The moment many of us have been eagerly awaiting – the start of Spring — has finally arrived! Did you know that natural medicine traditions like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese … Read more
In honor of Women’s History Month, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is sharing expert insight from National Trainer Jen Cox on how women can help reduce stigma, build a culture of nonjudgmental listening and support community members that show signs of needing help.
More than 33 million U.S. workers have quit their jobs since Spring 2021, and this wave, dubbed the “Great Resignation,” has focused the attention of workers and employers on mental … Read more
If you or someone you care about feels overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression or anxiety, or like you want to harm yourself or others call 911. You can also … Read more
Many people go through periods where their moods are impacted by the changing of the seasons. Feeling ‘down’ in the winter is a common experience, as well as periods of … Read more
Somewhere around the time the New Year’s Eve parties ended, retail displays transformed from winter wonderlands to Cupid’s playgrounds. But whether you dread it or eagerly anticipate it, Valentine’s Day … Read more
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 52.9 million people, or 21% of adults ages 18 years or older, experience a mental health or substance … Read more
It’s safe to say that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a major impact on all of our lives. Keeping distance from family and friends, and quarantining when sick, are … Read more
As 2021 comes to an end, you may be reflecting on the year that has passed and planning for the year to come. This past year was challenging for many, … Read more
As you think about how to support loved ones this holiday season, make sure to give extra consideration to those in recovery from substance or alcohol challenges. This festive period … Read more
The holiday season is here. For some, that means cherishing time with family and friends, but for many, especially those who feel emotionally distant or isolated from others, it’s a … Read more
Everyone faces stressors in life, especially in high school. Things like forgetting to do a school assignment, being late for work, having a messy room or an argument with a … Read more
We all feel stressed from time to time during the holiday season – there is pressure to attend social events, give gifts, travel and more that can take a toll … Read more
The holiday season is most often associated with traditions that may include traveling, spending time with family or friends, and tempting feasts. While these traditions can elicit feelings of anticipation … Read more
As conversations around mental health become more common, it is increasingly important that we consider the mental health of everyone – especially teens. Half of mental health challenges begin by … Read more
Bullying is not an unfamiliar concept, especially for nearly 20 percent of students aged 12-18. According to the Mental Health First Aid curriculum, one in five American high school students … Read more
It’s impossible to avoid stress. Whether it’s impending deadlines for school or work, a packed to-do list or an argument with a loved one, everyone experiences stress from time to … Read more
Bipolar disorder has gained its share of notoriety, being featured in TV shows, movies and books; but in some cases, this complex condition has been broadly reduced to extreme changes … Read more
With World Mental Health Day 2021 fast approaching on October 10, pause, breathe, and ask yourself: How am I doing? Be honest. If you’re struggling, you are not alone. Mental … Read more
While it can feel fulfilling to support your loved ones if they are experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge, providing help can also take a toll on your … Read more
COVID-19 continues to take its toll on a global scale, affecting everything from jobs to schooling and to our mental wellbeing. With so much uncertainty as we near our third … Read more
Addiction is complicated, and recovery from it is a challenge that millions of people in the United States face every day. Although stigma and misinformation persist, millions of Americans are … Read more
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a devastating toll – especially on our youth. Emerging data suggests that depression and suicide concerns have increased among adolescents and young adults ages 12 … Read more
In my sophomore year at Bellows Free Academy High School (St. Albans, Vermont), I attended a small conference at nearby St. Michael’s College that focused on the mental wellbeing of … Read more
Everyone has a “mental health toolkit” that helps them through good and bad times. It might contain self-care strategies, coping mechanisms for stressful days or people to turn to for … Read more
Your children may be excited to return to school after a long summer – or even a year of online classes. However, the new school year can come with new … Read more
It can be hard (or nearly impossible) for some of us to imagine not having our smartphone in our hands or within reach at all times. We rely on our … Read more
There is no doubt that the last year and half has been difficult, and the COVID-19 pandemic changed what many of us consider to be “normal.” That’s especially true for … Read more
We have all been there before: a long day of work or school or just life where things pile up and nothing seems to be going the way you want … Read more
We talk a lot about the benefits of self-care. It’s good for physical health and mental health, and it makes you feel good. But sometimes it can be hard to … Read more
Experiencing a mental health challenge can be stressful. Each day is different, and some of them may include overwhelming emotions and thoughts. But it’s important to remember that recovery from … Read more
As adults and teens across the country receive their COVID-19 vaccine, we’re all beginning to wonder what normal will look like. Regardless of whether you’re excited to pick up where … Read more
If you or someone you know has experienced a mental health or substance use challenge, you know just how hard it can be. It’s important to keep in mind that … Read more
It’s easy to see why talking about our mental health may not be easy. Research shows that public stigma, or society’s negative attitudes and behaviors surrounding mental health, and self-stigma, … Read more
I became a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Instructor to address the mental health stigma that exists among Black men and to share what I learned with the faith-based community … Read more
Mental health is a very important topic that needs to be talked about more often. Mental health challenges are more prevalent in our society now than ever before. In fact, research shows that almost one in five U.S. adults live with … Read more
En noviembre de 2011 obtuve mi certificación como rescatista en Primeros Auxilios para la Salud Mental. Me impresionó mucho todo lo que aprendí, por lo que asistí a otra capacitación … Read more
In November 2011, I became certified as a Mental Health First Aider. I was so impressed with what I learned, I attended another training the following January – I wanted to be sure I absorbed everything. On the day of the second training, I … Read more
Our company began its journey providing Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training in 2018, after noticing an increase in employees seeking help from their managers and the company during personal … Read more
Mental health has always been a focus in my life, starting with my own struggles as an adolescent. As such, I was honored when my school district asked me, as … Read more
In December 2020, I took a Youth Mental Health First Aid class. This training teaches parents, teachers and other adults how to support young people with mental health challenges, including how to use … Read more
Being a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Instructor fits perfectly with where I’m at personally and professionally. Working in the largest psychiatric hospital in Texas – with a staff of more than 900 – I see how many people really, truly care about other people, but don’t know what else they can do on … Read more
“I didn’t want to go to the [Mental Health First Aid] training, but I did. I never thought I would use any of the information or remember it, but I did shortly … Read more
Taking Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training, being a First Aider, has changed me. I’ve been with Sutter-Yuba Behavioral Health (SYBH) for 25 years. SYBH provides services to individuals and families who are … Read more
How do you help someone who is struggling? How do you help them without making assumptions about what they are going through, and without making it worse? These are all questions that I learned the answers to during the teen Mental Health First Aid … Read more
Brandon was an outgoing, fun-loving and enjoyable co-worker whose life ended abruptly after a night of heavy drinking. His death had a profound impact on our staff as we learned he had been living with a mental … Read more
As Executive Director of CASA for Kids of South Central Texas, I feel it is vital to continue to grow with our staff and volunteers, so I planned Youth Mental Health First Aid … Read more
