What is Mental Health First Aid?

In these times, it feels more important than ever to know the signs that someone might be in crisis.

Mental Health First Aid is a course that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis.

What we love about this training is that it is accessible. Anyone can benefit from this training- teachers, first responders, neighbors, parents and friends. Mental Health First Aiders are anyone who wants to make their community healthier, happier and safer for all.

Mental Health First Aid is an international training program proven to be effective. Peer-reviewed studies show that individuals trained in the program:

• Grow their knowledge of signs, symptoms and risk factors of mental illnesses and addictions.

• Can identify multiple types of professional and self-help resources for individuals with a mental illness or addiction.

• Increase their confidence in and likelihood to help an individual in distress.

• Show increased mental wellness themselves.

Studies also show that the program reduces the social distance created by negative attitudes and perceptions of individuals with mental illnesses. A list of all Mental Health First Aid studies and academic reviews from around the world is available here.

Rising Collective is committed to building a movement of folks trained in Mental Health First Aid so that we can move towards safety through solidarity in our communities and be ready to rise to the occasion when our neighbors need us. We hope you will join us.