mental health first aid 101

Presenter:

Mike Hoenig, MAProgram Coordinator, State and Community

Projects Center for Disabilities and Development

Learning ObjectivesDuring this session participants will learn:

The fundamentals of the Mental Health First Aid Certification Training curriculum.

Prevalence of mental health problems in the US and the recovery model

How to apply the Mental Health First Aid Action plan in crisis and non-crisis situations

What is MHFA?What is Physical First Aid?

Help provided to a person in physical crisisWho is certified?

Most people, even those not certified, know the basics

What is Mental Health First Aid?Mental Health First Aid is help provided to a person

developing a mental health problem or in a mental health crisis.

The first aid is given until appropriate professional treatment is received or until the crisis resolves. Who is certified?

GOAL: Everyone will know the basics!

Goals of MHFA1. Preserve life when a person may be a

danger to themselves or others

2. Provide help to prevent the mental health problem from developing into a serious state.

3. Promote recovery of good mental health

4. Provide comfort to a person with a mental health problem.

Outline of the CourseOverview of mental health problems in the

United States and Iowa

The MHFA Action Plan-• Assess for risk of harm or self/harm• Listen Non Judgmentally• Give reassurance and information• Encourage self-help strategies• Encourage professional help

Interactive Units on Depression, Anxiety, Psychosis, Substance Abuse, Eating Disorders-risk factors, symptoms, treatment, and an action plan for each area.

Why MHFA?Mental health problems are common.Mental health problems can be

successfully treated and people can get better (recovery!).

There is stigma associated with mental health problems.

Many people are not well informed about mental health problems and treatments.

Professional help is not always on hand. People often do not know how to respond.

Why MHFA?NAMI Score Card on Iowa - Handout

Why MHFA…U.S. Adults with a Mental Disorder in Any One Year

Why MHFA….Think about the individuals you serve…“Disability” refers to the amount of

disruption a health problem causes to a person’s ability to 

Work/SchoolCarry out daily activitiesEngage in satisfying relationships

Disability Weights Exercise

Lets Try it!Peter’s Story – MHFA in action!

Peter’s StoryTo watch embeded video, view slide in presentation view.

Our Goal….Imagine a community in which everyone had

the skills to respond like Sarah…

Key Ingredients of MHFACombines the knowledge of the signs and

symptoms of a mental health concern with the ability to help someone who experiences those signs and symptoms.

How well can you recognize signs/symptoms?Shaky Man Handout

Recovery“Recovery is the process in which people are able to live, work, learn, and participate fully in their communities.”

“For some, this is the ability to live a fulfilling and productive life despite a disability.” 

“For others, recovery implies the reduction or complete remission of symptoms.” 

— President’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health, 2003

Margalea’s Story

Brief BioDiagnosed with MI in 1972

Many suicide attempts and hospitalizations in locked wards

No hospitalizations in locked units for 17 year

What Recovery Looks Like

Spiral

A little up, a little down, but more up than down

My Life in RecoveryLess defined by my illness

Accept myself and feel appreciated by others

Believe in a better future in a realistic way

Needs center around giving back

Find a course near you…Go to www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org

Click find a course near youClick find an instructor near you

No courses/instructors available

Jill Kluesner, MA, CRCTraining and Technical Assistance Coordinator

Community Circle of CareChild Health Specialty Clinics

E-mail: Jill-Kluesner@uiowa.eduPhone (office): 563-583-5545

Phone (cell): 563-590-6502

Mike Hoenig, MAProgram Coordinator

Center for Disabilities and DevelopmentE-mail: michael-hoenig@uiowa.edu

Phone (office) 319-353-6448Phone (cell) 563-349-3922

Questions?