Did You Know? Myth: Mental illness is something
Mental Health First Aid: The Best First Aid is You
that only affects others and not us, our family or our friends.
You may know CPR and the Heimlich Maneu-
Fact: An estimated 1 in 4 Americans
First Aid in a mental health crisis?
have a diagnosable mental illness. Mental health crises occur frequently in your workplace, church, family, school and community.
Myth: Mental illness has no real impact on society.
Fact: Mental illness accounts for 15% of the total economic burden of all disease in the U.S. Untreated mental disorders cost $79 billion in lost productivity every year.
Myth: Mental illness is not that serious.
Fact: Medical experts rate mental disorders among the most impactful illnesses because they interfere with a person’s ability to go to school, work, care for himself or herself and form relationships.
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ver. You can call 911. But can you administer
It’s easy to tell when someone might be suffering from a heart attack, choking or is unable to breathe. But what does depression look like? Or anxiety? Have you met people experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors?
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How would you know? And how would you help?
The potential warning signs and risk factors for depression, anxiety disorders, trauma, psychotic disorders, eating disorders and substance use disorders. A 5-step action plan to help an individual in crisis connect to professional care. Resources available to help someone with a mental health problem.
Who Can Be a Mental Health First Aider? Answer: Mental Health First Aid. Certified trainers at CODAC are now offering Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training. Similar to the CPR or First Aid model, Mental Health First Aid is the initial help given to someone showing symptoms of mental illness or in a mental health crisis until appropriate professional help - including peer and family support - can be engaged. MHFA is a 12-hour course that prepares members of the public to provide MHFA to those in need. At MHFA training, you will learn: • The prevalence of mental illness in the US and it emotional and economic cost.
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Educators/School Administrators
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College/University Leaders
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Human Resources Professionals
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Members of Faith Communities
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Policy Makers
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Homeless Shelter Staff & Volunteers
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Substance Abuse Professionals
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Social Workers
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Consumers and Family Members
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Caring Citizens
Someone you know could be experiencing a mental illness or crisis. You can help them. Contact CODAC’s Training Department to find out how you can register for MHFA training. Call (520) 202-1818 or email mmckenna@ codac.org.
The Mental Health First Aid Action Plan
Did you know?
A ssess for risk of suicide or harm
You are more likely to encounter a
L isten nonjudgmentally
person in an emotional or mental
G ive reassurance and information
crisis than someone having a heart
E ncourage appropriate professional help
attack. Mental disorders are more
E ncourage self-help & other support strategies
common than heart disease and
For more information, please visit www.MentalHealthFirstAid.org.
cancer combined.
Source: National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare. www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org
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