Douglas County Mental Health Initiative is equipping community members with tools to support Mental Health
We know that injuries happen all the time. That’s why teachers, coaches, first responders and all kinds of people learn first aid. Did you know that mental health crises are nearly as common, but would you know what to do when someone in your community needs support?
You’re invited to sign up for a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training, offered by the Douglas County Mental Health Initiative.
MHFA is an evidence-based course that teaches not only the signs, symptoms and risk factors of mental health needs and substance use problems but also the skills to reach out a provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem, ideally before requiring more significant mental and/or behavioral health intervention.
The full-day course is within the spirit of medical first aid – that neighbors can help neighbors. If you or someone you know is feeling stressed, lonely, unmotivated, distracted, restless, etc., MHFA can help.
After taking the course, you’ll have:
- Increased mental health literacy, including knowledge of signs, symptoms and risk factors of mental health and substance use challenges.
- The ability to identify appropriate types of professional and self-help resources for individuals with a mental health or substance use challenge.
- Increased confidence and self-efficacy and likelihood to help an individual in distress.
- Reduced stigma and increased empathy toward individuals with mental health challenges.
- Increased likelihood to seek therapy or mental health care for themselves.
Register for a training today at Mental Health First Aid Training – Douglas County.
This program is a result of collaboration with many community partners including the Colorado Department of Human Services, Behavioral Health Administration, Arapahoe Community College Sturm Campus, Aging Resources of Douglas County, Castle Rock Senior Activity Center, CSU Extension, Douglas County Health Department, Douglas County Libraries and Highlands Ranch Metro District. The funding is provided by a grant from The National Council of Mental Wellbeing.