Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) “An evidence-based, early-intervention course”

Most of us would know how to help if we saw someone having a heart attack — we would start CPR or call 9-1-1. But too few of us would know how to respond if we saw someone having a panic attack or showing signs of alcohol use disorder.

Just as CPR helps you assist an individual having a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) teaches you how to assist and support others who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge.

Public safety professionals face elevated levels of stress, trauma, and critical incidents. Studies, such as those by the Oxford Institute of Clinical Psychology Training and Research, reveal that police officers experience mental health problems at twice the rate of other first responders. This is often attributed to poor social support, occupational stress, and maladaptive coping strategies. It's crucial to intervene effectively, as untreated mental health challenges can impair decision-making, judgment, and situational awareness, jeopardizing both public and professional safety. According to a national study published by the Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology, 90% of police officers cite stigma as a barrier to seeking help.

Corrections professionals often confront elevated levels of stress, trauma, and critical incidents. Studies show that 37% of corrections officers experience mild to severe anxiety, 48% experience depression, and 50% experience post-traumatic stress symptoms. By providing the necessary support and resources, correctional facilities can help staff members cope with their unique challenges, reduce burnout, and promote a positive work environment that ultimately benefits both staff and the individuals they serve.

Reducing Workplace Stigma Around Mental Illness

The stigma surrounding mental illness can create a hostile environment for those suffering from these conditions. This is particularly true in high-stress professions such as corrections and public safety, where employees must constantly be on high alert. This stigma can lead to feelings of isolation and may prevent individuals from seeking the help they need. Implementing Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) in the workplace can help reduce this stigma by promoting understanding and empathy toward those dealing with mental health challenges.

By fostering a culture of acceptance and understanding, we can help break down the barriers that prevent individuals from seeking help. This benefits the individual and improves the workplace's overall productivity and morale.

Gaining Knowledge About Mental Health and Substance Use Challenges at Work

Understanding is the first step towards acceptance. The more we understand about mental health and substance use challenges, the better equipped we are to offer support and create an inclusive work environment. MHFA provides the necessary education to identify signs of mental illness and substance abuse. This knowledge can help in the early detection of these issues, facilitating intervention and support.

Knowledge empowers us to navigate the complexities of mental health and substance use issues with sensitivity and compassion. This understanding can lead to a more supportive and productive work environment.

Increasing Confidence in Helping Co-workers with the MHFA 5-Step Action Plan (ALGEE®)

The MHFA 5-Step Action Plan, also known as ALGEE®, provides a practical, hands-on approach to helping someone who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge. The steps include Assessing risk, Listening non-judgmentally, Giving reassurance, Encouraging appropriate professional help, and Encouraging self-help strategies. This plan imparts the confidence to act in a potential crisis.

By implementing the ALGEE® plan, we can create a workplace where everyone feels supported and able to perform at their best despite the personal challenges they may be facing.

At Bauman Consulting Group (BCG), we're committed to supporting the wellbeing and security of those who serve our communities. With over 50 years of combined experience in criminal justice, our mission is to connect evidence-based practices to practical solutions for professionals. BCG consultants with extensive criminal justice qualifications deliver our Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training.

If you're interested in learning more about Mental Health First Aid for Adults, Mental Health First Aid for Corrections Professionals, or Mental Health First Aid for Public Safety, don't hesitate to get in touch with us at 513-570-5474 or info@baumanconsultinggroup.com. Sign up for our current course, Mental Health First Aid for Adults, online at https://baumanconsultinggroup.com/marketplace/mhfa-aug22.

Parent Resources for Back-to-School Youth Mental Health & Technology →

It is back-to-school time! As a parent, it's common to feel stressed about your child's experience when they start school. It's natural to worry about their anxieties and how they will cope. However, we must remember that we can't control everything happening to children and teens. What we can do is prepare ourselves and control how we respond to it. Keep reading for tips from Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) on your child's mental health and technology use and for resources from Mental Health America for managing this transition.

Growing evidence links heavy social media use with increased risks for anxiety and depression for all people. These mental health issues can, in turn, impact a student’s school performance, such as difficulties focusing, studying, or even simply attending school. Caregivers and school personnel need to understand what is happening on social media and how to reduce its negative impact.

Virtual spaces are everywhere in today’s world and have become a constant presence in the lives of young people, offering social connectedness and the ease of instant communication. But the online world of selfies and social media also brings challenging situations that can negatively impact youth mental health.

The pressure to maintain a perfect online image, fueled by constant comparison to peers, can lead to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety. Young people may experience fear of missing out (FOMO) when they watch the highlight reels of their friends’ lives, bringing on feelings of loneliness and isolation. In addition, exposure to cyberbullying and negative comments can take a toll on their self-esteem, putting them at risk of experiencing depression.

As the new school year begins, parents, caregivers, teachers, coaches, counselors, and school administrators must work together to educate and support young people in navigating responsibly the challenges of a digital world while fostering a healthy sense of self-worth and resilience.

The new Mental Health America toolkit, “Selfies, Social, and Screens: Navigating Virtual Spaces for Youth,” provides educational resources that tackle these topics. For caregivers and school personnel, they cover the basics of what youth are doing online, how online activity can impact mental health, tips for talking to youth about complicated feelings they may experience, and how to help young people reduce the potentially harmful effects of social media. The toolkit also includes information and tips written exclusively for youth. Whether young people read the information on their own or discuss the topics with an adult, they must understand that they are not alone when they experience feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness and that help and support are available.

Free, confidential, anonymous screening tools are available at mhascreening.org for youth and parents concerned about their mental health. After taking a screen, results and tips for the next steps are provided. For even more information, youth and adults can check out MHA’s book, “Where to Start: A Survival Guide to Anxiety, Depression, and Other Mental Health Challenges,” which was written for young people to provide clear, honest, and reassuring information about the most common mental health conditions.

Sometimes conversations about mental health can reveal a person has thoughts or plans to hurt themselves or others. If this happens, they are in crisis and need help promptly. If you think a child or teen is in immediate danger of taking suicidal action, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. Trained crisis counselors can help find local resources and suggest the next steps.

Bauman Consulting Group (BCG) is an experienced consulting agency specializing in the public and social sectors. Contact us today if your organization is interested in hosting a group for MHFA. Our certified instructors offer in-person, online, and hybrid training models for MHFA Corrections Professionals, Fire/EMS, Public Safety, and all Adults.

At BCG, we are committed to supporting our community and offer discounts for in-person training to nearby organizations in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Montgomery, Alabama. As a bonus, we provide two free MHFAs per year to non-profit/school organizations. If your group is interested in the opportunity, contact us now for consideration. These spots fill quickly!