Millions of people with mental illnesses do not receive treatment due to stigma, lack of information, costs, and many other factors. In Christian communities, the stigma is even greater. A major goal of the Christian Mental Health Initiative (CMHI) is to increase mental health literacy in the church. Though mental health and spiritual health are similar, we must learn about their differences to effectively achieve the wellness we seek. This is why, on November 16th and 17th of this year, CMHI hosted a virtual Youth Mental Health First Aid training.
In collaboration with certified Youth Mental Health First Aid instructor and psychiatrist Dr. Richard Fields, nine people around the country joined the virtual training. These attendees dedicated eight hours towards becoming certified Mental Health First Aiders. This certification is valid for three years!
Youth Mental Health First Aid
What is Youth Mental Health First Aid exactly?
Youth Mental Health First Aid is a program disseminated by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. The following is an expert from the organization’s website to describe the aims and goals of the program.
Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. Youth Mental Health First Aid is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD), and eating disorders.
It was an absolute pleasure to host this training. We connected with people in Pennsylvania, Florida, Tennessee, Illinois, Arkansas, and even Bermuda! The attendees work across varying industries, such as mental health facilities, church ministry, and middle school education. We now have more people prepared to respond to the mental health needs of our youth. Look at God!
Future CMHI Events
The Christian Mental Health Initiative volunteer team is just getting started!
We aim to continue connecting with communities to impact mental well-being in the church. In January 2023, we will host an in-person Adult Mental Health First Aid training at a church in South Philadelphia. We are also planning a virtual mental health symposium for May 2023 to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month and the first anniversary of CMHI!
We encourage you to join our mailing list to receive updates about future mental health training opportunities and events.
