Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based education and prevention tool to improve the public’s knowledge of mental health and substance use problems.
Learn the importance of early intervention. Learn the risk factors and warning signs for mental health and substance use concerns, strategies for how to help someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations, and how to connect youth to appropriate care.
Similar to traditional First Aid and CPR, Mental Health First Aid is the help offered to a person developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The first aid is given until appropriate treatment and support are received or until the crisis resolves.
- Preserve life when person may be a danger to self or others,
- Provide help to prevent the problem from becoming more serious,
- Promote and enhance recovery,
- Provide comfort and support
Mental Health First Aid helps people respond appropriately when someone is distressed, offer initial support and be a link to resources.
Mental Health First Aid is a program that introduces participants to risk factors and warning signs of mental health concerns, builds understanding of their impact, and overviews common treatments.
The course uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to assess a mental health crisis; and provide initial help.
A young person you know could be struggling.
Sometimes first aid isn't a bandage or CPR.
Sometimes, first aid is YOU.