MONROE - Mental Health First Aid is a public education program that introduces participants to risk factors and warning signs of mental illnesses, builds understanding of their impact and overviews common supports.
The training will be from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. May 20 at the Green County Justice Center, lower level, in the multipurpose rooms, across the hall from the Green County UW-Extension Office. Journey Mental Health provides the training and the cost is $50 per person, which includes a manual, lunch and snacks.
This eight-hour course uses role playing and simulations to demonstrate how to offer initial help in a mental health crisis and connect people to the appropriate professional, peer, social and self-help care. The program also teaches the common risk factors and warning signs of illnesses like anxiety, depression, substance use, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
Mental illness and aging often can be a double stigma. Older adults and care partners are less likely to identify a problem as a symptom of a mental health disorder. Furthermore, older adults have high rates of late onset mental health disorders (anxiety/ depression) and low rates of identification and treatment. There is negative bi-directional impact between mental disorders and other health conditions. Even "mild" mental illness symptoms can have catastrophic consequences in vulnerable older adults.
Like CPR, Mental Health First Aid prepares participants to interact with a person in crisis and connect the person with help. First aiders do not take on the role of professionals - they do not diagnose or provide any counseling or therapy. Instead, the program offers concrete tools and answers key questions, like "what do I do?" and "where can someone find help?" Certified Mental Health First Aid instructors provide a list of community healthcare providers and national resources, support groups and online tools for mental health and addictions treatment and support. All trainees receive a program manual to compliment the course material.
Registration and payment are due by May 18 to the Green County UW-Extension Office, 2841 6th St., Monroe, WI 53566. Checks should be made payable to: GUPPY. For more information, contact Bridget Mouchon-Humphrey, Green County UWEX family living agent, at 608-328-9440.
The training will be from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. May 20 at the Green County Justice Center, lower level, in the multipurpose rooms, across the hall from the Green County UW-Extension Office. Journey Mental Health provides the training and the cost is $50 per person, which includes a manual, lunch and snacks.
This eight-hour course uses role playing and simulations to demonstrate how to offer initial help in a mental health crisis and connect people to the appropriate professional, peer, social and self-help care. The program also teaches the common risk factors and warning signs of illnesses like anxiety, depression, substance use, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
Mental illness and aging often can be a double stigma. Older adults and care partners are less likely to identify a problem as a symptom of a mental health disorder. Furthermore, older adults have high rates of late onset mental health disorders (anxiety/ depression) and low rates of identification and treatment. There is negative bi-directional impact between mental disorders and other health conditions. Even "mild" mental illness symptoms can have catastrophic consequences in vulnerable older adults.
Like CPR, Mental Health First Aid prepares participants to interact with a person in crisis and connect the person with help. First aiders do not take on the role of professionals - they do not diagnose or provide any counseling or therapy. Instead, the program offers concrete tools and answers key questions, like "what do I do?" and "where can someone find help?" Certified Mental Health First Aid instructors provide a list of community healthcare providers and national resources, support groups and online tools for mental health and addictions treatment and support. All trainees receive a program manual to compliment the course material.
Registration and payment are due by May 18 to the Green County UW-Extension Office, 2841 6th St., Monroe, WI 53566. Checks should be made payable to: GUPPY. For more information, contact Bridget Mouchon-Humphrey, Green County UWEX family living agent, at 608-328-9440.