By John Henderson
EANE has taken a step to help organizations recognize and respond to employees who may be experiencing a mental health crisis. Our colleague Kevin Joly has become certified as a Mental Health First Aid instructor.
Found on the Mental Health First Aid at Work website, here’s more information about the course:
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) at Work teaches employees how to recognize and respond to colleagues who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge in the workplace. It offers an opportunity to meaningfully integrate mental health and substance use support into company culture as employers increasingly grapple with workforce mental health needs – such as rising levels of anxiety and depression – since the pandemic’s onset.
This employee training program comes at a critical time, as research has shown 40% of employees have reported that their jobs have had a negative impact on their mental health, and 75% of employees have indicated stigma was present in their workplaces. While conversations about mental health have increased in recent years, stigma remains a pervasive barrier to seeking help in work environments.
In his instructor role, Kevin will teach people the skills needed to recognize and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges. People will learn strategies to help someone in crisis and noncrisis situations.
The course will show you how to apply the Mental Health First Aid action plan in situations such as when someone is showing some of the following signs:
- Panic attacks
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
- Self-injury
- Acute psychosis
- Overdose or withdrawal from drugs and/or alcohol
- Reaction to traumatic events
EANE is offering the program in Agawam on November 21st https://www.eane.org/event/mental-health-first-aid-agawam-2/ Kevin is also available to bring this program to your organization. If you are interested in learning more about the onsite option please contact John Henderson [email protected]