Recognizing Mental Health Challenges, Ministry Opportunities

Only one in two people with mental illness or experiencing a mental health challenge seek help according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Stigma, lack of access to affordable care, and limited awareness about mental health services can prevent those struggling from seeking help.

Yet mental health challenges are prevalent with concerns such as anxiety disorders and depression on the rise.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a skills-based training course that teaches how to help people who are developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. Participants learn how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness.

“This course is focused on learning to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health challenges, but it also provides practical tools for immediate use as we interact in ministry in our daily lives,” said Anne Wilson, certified trainer.

“One of my favorite parts of leading this training is hearing from participants about ways it can impact their ministry and the people they will be able to help because of the skills they learned.”

Wilson said the course covers risk factors and warning signs for mental health and addiction concerns, strategies for how to help someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations, and where to turn for help.

Mental Health First Aid for Adults training will be offered at Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) on Thursday, Feb. 27 from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. WMU is located at 100 Missionary Ridge, just off Hwy 280 and Brook Highland Parkway in Birmingham.

The cost of $100 per person includes registration fee and lunch as well as a printed copy of the MHFA Adult Manual.

Participants are required to complete all three parts of the training which include:

- self-guided online course prework (takes about two hours to complete, must be completed before course date);
- instructor-led training on Feb. 27 from 9 a.m.–5 p.m.;
- self-guided online course completion work (takes about 30 minutes to complete).

“After all three elements are completed, you will officially be certified as a Mental Health First Aider and receive a certificate,” said Wilson.

“So many of us want to help but can miss warning signs or be unaware of where to turn for qualified assistance. This course will equip and empower you to effectively help someone experiencing mental health challenges.”

by WMU Communications