Training will focus on warning signs of mental health issues

salvetoday Posted On April 1, 2019
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Members of the University community are invited to participate in mental health first aid training on Thursday, April 4 and Friday, April 5. The eight-hour course will help participants identify, understand and respond to signs of addictions and mental illnesses.

Sponsored by the Office of Student Affairs, the training will be held from 1-5 p.m. Thursday and Friday in the Ochre Court library. Participants must be able to attend both days. Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP to Jennifer Jensen at jensenj@salve.edu.

College students have unique stress and risk factors related to the demands of balancing academic, social and employment responsibilities while being independent and away from family, friends and other supports – often for the first time. Training students, faculty and staff to recognize the symptoms of emerging mental illnesses or to assist young adults in a mental health crisis can help lessen their severity and impact.

Using role-playing and simulations, participants will learn how to recognize and respond to the warning signs of specific illnesses. They will also:

  • Discuss campus culture and its relevance to the topic of mental health.
  • Discuss the specific stress and risk factors faced by the higher education population.
  • Apply the five-step ALGEE action plan to a number of scenarios designed specifically for students, faculty and staff.
  • Review the mental health resources available on campus and through partnerships in the community.