Let’s face it, it’s kind of hard to be a human being right now. And though everyone is easing into social life again, it is still important to be aware of our mental health at all times. The same way most people get trained in first aid for injuries, mental health first aid is just as important.

So, first things first, what is Mental Health First Aid?

Mental Health first aid is assistance provided to someone who is facing a mental health issue, condition, or crisis. You administer first aid until the person obtains adequate assistance or the situation has passed.

There are many course offerings for Mental Health First Aid. These courses teach people how to recognize, comprehend, and respond to indicators of mental illness and drug abuse problems. According to Mental Health First Aid, which provides the course materials, “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.”

By doing this training, we can establish a safety net for people around us who are struggling, while not needing you to be a licensed mental health expert. It is just something to do in the interim while people get adequate help.

Who should take Mental Health First Aid?

Mental Health First Aid training is geared more toward adults who are experiencing mental illness, but it also offers youth-specific MHFA training. You will not learn how to become a therapist or prescribe medicines in Mental Health First Aid. To be a mental health first responder, you don’t need a formal education in psychology or counseling. All that is required is a desire to serve others and save lives.

Why is Mental Health First Aid training important?

There is a lot of data that proves the importance of Mental Health First Aid, here are the highlights:

• In a year, just 41% of people with mental health problems will seek treatment for their problems.
• Those suffering from mental illnesses will not be properly diagnosed for at least ten years after the onset of symptoms.
• By the age of 14, half of all lifelong mental disease cases have begun, and three-quarters have begun by the age of 24.
• In a given year, roughly 18 percent of the population in the United States aged 18 to 54 is affected by mental health illnesses, and nearly half of the population will get a diagnosis in their lifetime.

When someone is going through a mental health crisis, they may only want to share their experience with one person. Someone who has completed Mental Health First Aid will most likely be that person. To find a course suitable for you, head over to mentalhealthfirstaid.org.

If you are suffering from mental health issues, seek a professional or try walking to help ease the anxiety.