Mental Health First Aid teaches how to help people in crisis

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (March 2, 2016) - Most people would know how to help if they saw someone having a heart attack. They would start CPR or, at the very least, call 9-1-1. But many people would not know how to respond to someone having a panic attack or showing signs of depression.

Northwest Community Healthcare (NCH), in partnership with Linden Oaks, is making it easier to identify and address mental illness or substance abuse by teaching people how to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be experiencing a mental health crisis or substance use problem.

Mental Health First Aid is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday, March 7, at 901 W. Kirchhoff Road, on the hospital campus in Arlington Heights. To register for the course, call HealthConnection at 847-618-4968 or sign up online. Cost is $40.

The 8-hour course is taught by NCH Behavioral Health clinicians who introduce participants to risk factors and warning signs of mental illnesses, such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The course includes role playing and simulations to demonstrate how to offer help in a mental health crisis.

"This training is relevant to all of us," says Shalu Gugnani, M.D., Assistant Medical Director of NCH Behavioral Health Services. "When you complete Mental Health First Aid, you will know how to intervene with someone who is actively suicidal, or help someone who is having a panic attack. You will be able to recognize a coworker who may be struggling with addiction or a friend who is feeling depressed."

Mental Health First Aid is an international program that originated in Australia, where studies show that participants in the program have reduced negative perceptions and attitudes about people with mental illnesses and addictions. Mental Health First Aiders also have more confidence in helping others and a greater likelihood of advising people to seek professional help.