Training teaches public how to help with mental health crises

Members of the public can gain skills in how to help neighbors and loved ones with mental health struggles through a regularly offered Mental Health First Aid class. Employers can also get their workplaces trained, and more are doing so. "Most of us would know how to help if we saw someone having a heart attack — we'd start CPR, or at the very least, call 911," states the Mental Health First Aid website. "But too few of us would know how to respond if we saw someone having a panic attack or if we were concerned that a friend or co-worker might be showing signs of alcoholism." Brittany Schindler, director of youth engagement at National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Hancock County, is a local Mental Health First Aid instructor. She said participants learn the difference between early warning signs, worsening signs and those indicating a true crisis — and how to help at any of these stages. The class is designed to be first aid. When people talk about physical health, Schindler said, they often focus on big, life-or-death situations. "But we also have bumps and scratches and broken bones ... along the way," she said. A person might not be having a mental health crisis but might be experiencing these "bumps and scratches," like increased anxiety, or a lot of stress in their life. "1 in 5 people have a mental health diagnosis, but more than 1 in 5 people are struggling," Schindler said. Intervening at the "bumps and scratches" point may help prevent the situation from reaching the crisis point, she said. Many people encounter these situations and don't know how to handle them, Schindler said. Taking the training may help give them "a sense of calm" when they are in that situation. NAMI offers shorter trainings for workplaces that are interested but can't commit to a full day. Schindler said there has been increased interest from workplaces ranging from factories to restaurants. "Mental Health First Aid is actually designed to reach the general public," but there are specific formats for certain groups, such as those working in law enforcement, higher education or the faith community, Schindler said. She said participants are advised that how the people they approach react may vary. Some may say they don't want to talk about it, but "you're laying a foundation" so that "when they're ready, they know who to go to." On the other hand, many people who live with mental health conditions are used to being "overlooked," and may respond with gratitude if someone else reaches out and asks about their well-being, she said. Schindler said NAMI can provide resources in general. They don't offer counseling, but have educational resources and offer other classes as well, including education for youths and adults. Schindler said they "can point you in the right direction," whether you are looking to set up counseling and aren't sure how to make that appointment, or you just want more education. Services are available to people who have, or think they may have, a mental health diagnosis, as well as their family, friends and loved ones. NAMI Hancock County offers youth and adult Mental Health First Aid classes on alternating months. The next Adult Mental Health First Aid class will be held in September. The next training in Youth Mental Health First Aid, which covers how to help an adolescent ages 12-18, will be from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 31. Participants should register on NAMI Hancock County's website by Aug. 10. A calendar of upcoming events, as well as fact sheets and mental health screening information, can be found at www.namihancockcounty.org To request a workplace training, or for more information, call 567-301-2101.