 |
“It’s well documented that over the past 10 to 15 years, the number and severity of mental health issues on campuses has increased,” says Kim Leisey, PhD, associate vice president for student affairs at University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), one of 10 colleges in Maryland that offers the program. “Given that most counseling centers are not staffed to do a lot of outreach, Mental Health First Aid is playing an increasingly larger role to help manage anxiety about mental health issues on campuses.”
The evidence-based program uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to assess a mental health crisis, select interventions and provide initial help. The training also addresses the risk factors and warning signs of specific illnesses like anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and substance use disorders.
“Shows like ‘Dr. Phil’ are destigmatizing the idea of getting help for mental health concerns,” says Joseph Worth, PhD, LPC, professor of counseling at St. Louis Community College in St. Louis, MO. “Going away to college often intersects with difficult times for students, so the training helps people take action when students are suffering.”
A recent survey by American College Counseling Association finds the emotional health of college freshmen has declined to the lowest level since they started conducting an annual survey of incoming students 25 years ago. In the survey, “The American Freshman: National Norms Fall 2010,” the percentage of students who said their emotional health was above average fell to 52 percent compared to 64 percent in 1985.
This decline in emotional health has many troubling effects on trends on college campuses, including increasing concerns of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. A study by Johns Hopkins Children’s Center published last year in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that depression and lack of social support appeared to precipitate suicidal thoughts and behavior in some college students. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college-age students in the U.S. About 1100 deaths by suicide occur in this age group each year.
“Students who experience mental health issues usually go to other students with their troubles, who in turn then ask themselves ‘OK, what do I do with this?” says Stuart Johnston, MS, a mental health counselor at Luther College in Decorah, IA. “The program is one way colleges can be proactive about addressing the mental health needs of their students.”
Dr. Worth emphasizes the program is for the campus community at large. “Custodial staff may be more likely than teachers to see a student sitting on the sidewalk crying,” he says. “Everyone should have the knowledge to know what to do.”
Since Mental Health First Aid was introduced in the USA in 2008, more than 20,000 people have been trained and 1,200 instructors certified across the country. The program is coordinated by the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare (National Council), the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and the Missouri Department of Mental Health (Missouri DMH).
“The fact is we encounter people every day who may be having a mental illness or crisis — this program shows you how to help them,” says Benton Goon, Missouri DMH’s Transformation co-director. “Mental Health First Aid emphasizes that mental illnesses are very real and very treatable.”
“With the stigma around mental health issues, the training helps foster conversation about it and makes for a more compassionate and caring community,” says Dr. Leisey. “Mental Health First Aid creates an environment on campus where it’s OK to ask for help.”
More about Mental Health First Aid: www.MentalHealthFirstAid.org
# # #
Mental Health First Aid is the initial help given to a person showing symptoms of mental illness or in a mental health crisis until appropriate professional, peer or family support can be engaged. Mental Health First Aid USA is disseminated by the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare, the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and the Missouri Department of Mental Health. To find a training program in your community or learn how you can certify as an instructor, visit www.MentalHealthFirstAid.org.
###
Subscribe to our FREE Ezine and receive current Health News, be eligible for discounted products/services and coupons related to your Health. We publish 24/7.
www.HealthNewsDigest.com
For advertising/promotion, email: [email protected] Or call toll free: 877- 634-9180
