Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)

Mental Health First Aid is a comprehensive training program designed to equip individuals with the skills to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders.

Topics Covered

The MHFA course addresses a range of mental health conditions, including:

• Depression and Mood Disorders: Understanding the signs, symptoms, and interventions related to various mood disorders
• Anxiety Disorders: Recognizing different forms of anxiety and appropriate response strategies.
• Trauma: Identifying the impact of traumatic experiences and how to support affected individuals.
• Psychosis: Learning about conditions that affect perception and thinking, and ways to assist those experiencing such episodes.
• Substance Use Disorders: Understanding the complexities of addiction and methods to provide initial help.

The training underscores the concepts of recovery and resiliency, promoting the belief that individuals facing these challenges can improve and harness their strengths to maintain well-being.

The MHFA Action Plan

A core component of the MHFA training is the introduction of a structured action plan, known by the acronym ALGEE:

1. Assess for risk of suicide or harm: Evaluate the immediate safety concerns and look for signs of suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
2. Listen nonjudgmentally: Engage in active listening to help the individual feel respected and understood.
3. Give reassurance and information: Provide factual information and affirm the person's feelings, emphasizing that help is available.
4. Encourage appropriate professional help: Guide the individual toward seeking assistance from mental health professionals, such as therapists or counselors.
5. Encourage self-help and other support strategies: Promote the use of self-care practices and support networks to aid in recovery.

Couse Outcomes

1. Understand the Role and Purpose of Mental Health First Aid

• Describe the purpose of Mental Health First Aid.
• Explain the role of the Mental Health First Aider, including principles of safety and privacy.
• Choose appropriate methods for self-care following the application of Mental Health First Aid.

2. Recognize the Impact and Signs of Mental Health and Substance Use Challenges

• Identify the impact of mental health and substance use challenges on the wellbeing of American adults.
• Recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges.
• Evaluate the impact of early intervention on outcomes.

3. Apply the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan (ALGEE) Across Scenarios

• Explain the 5 steps of the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan (ALGEE).
• Apply appropriate steps of ALGEE to non-crisis scenarios (early signs and worsening signs).
• Apply appropriate steps of ALGEE to crisis scenarios involving mental health or substance use.

4. Promote Recovery and Reduce Stigma

• Explain that recovery from mental health or substance use challenges is possible.
• Support hope and connection through compassionate intervention and understanding.

Practical Application

MHFA training incorporates practical exercises, including role-plays and scenarios, to help participants apply the action plan effectively. 

In summary, Mental Health First Aid provides essential training for individuals to support those experiencing mental health or substance use challenges, emphasizing early intervention, practical response strategies, and the promotion of recovery and resilience.

Mental Health First Aid

What is an Academic Symposium?

The Academic Symposium is an opportunity for Anna Maria College students and faculty to proudly display and discuss their recent scholarly work, including research projects, creative writing, artwork, and more! 

What to expect:

Poster and oral presentations from students, faculty and recently published authors who will be displaying and discussing their recent and relevant research and hard work.

A comprehensive overview of intimate partner violence (IPV), its patterns, research findings, and strategies for breaking the cycle of violence. It highlights the widespread impact of IPV on individuals and society, particularly its effects on women, children, and elderly populations.  

1. Introduction:
   • The presentation opens with an introduction to IPV and references research from the Journal of Interpersonal Violence, showcasing studies that examine the causes, effects, and prevention of interpersonal violence.
2. Research on IPV:
   • Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the global impact of violence, particularly IPV. The presentation notes the prevalence of underreporting and the lack of reliable data, making it challenging to design effective prevention efforts.
   • Highlights statistics, such as 1 in 3 women experiencing physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner in their lifetime.
3. Patterns of IPV:
   • The presentation discusses patterns of abuse, including the "Wheel of Violence," which illustrates how power and control dynamics manifest through tactics like coercion, threats, emotional and economic abuse, and isolation.
   • Common factors keeping the cycle of violence in motion are love, fear, and hope.
4. Breaking the Cycle:
   • This section covers strategies for breaking the cycle of IPV, including the development of a Personalized Safety Plan and fostering a nonviolent, equal relationship dynamic as illustrated by the "Wheel of Nonviolence."
   • Discussion on the Relationship Bill of Rights which empowers individuals to set boundaries and foster respectful, non-threatening relationships.
5. Support Resources:
   • Includes hotline numbers such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline and Teen Dating Abuse Helpline.
   • Recommendations for books and films that address IPV, such as "Why Does He Do That?" by Lundy Bancroft and relevant documentaries.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand the various forms of intimate partner violence – including emotional, physical, psychological, and sexual abuse – and the patterns that sustain cycles of violence.
2. Identify the key risk factors and consequences of intimate partner violence, both for victims and society, with a focus on health, economic, and psychological impacts.
3. Develop strategies for prevention and support by recognizing available resources, creating safety plans, and promoting nonviolent, equitable relationships.
4. Analyze the societal and cultural influences that contribute to the perpetuation of intimate partner violence, including gender norms, systemic barriers, and media representation, to foster informed advocacy and policy change.

Trigger Warning: Intimate Partner Violence
This course will cover sensitive topics related to domestic violence, including emotional, physical, and psychological abuse. The content may be distressing or triggering for some participants.  We encourage self-care and suggest stepping away if you find the material overwhelming. Please reach out to support resources if needed.