The onset of the holiday season conjures up images of families gathered together, big meals, cozy fires and lots of celebration. But for many people, especially individuals experiencing or in … Read more
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As the seasons shift and daylight hours decrease, many people find their mood and energy levels affected. You may notice that it’s still dark outside when you start your workday, … Read more
As Mental Health First Aiders, knowing how and when to support someone who is experiencing a distressing situation is vital, but can also be difficult to navigate in the moment. … Read more
November is National Gratitude month, and the beginning of the season when many people may begin to think about what they are grateful for in their life. While it is … Read more
When someone we love dies, experiencing feelings of sadness, anger, confusion, regret, guilt and sometimes even relief, is common and natural. The Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) curriculum adds that … Read more
This Veterans Day, it is important to remember that not every service member experiences Veterans Day in the same way. In fact, some prior service members may not consider themselves … Read more
November can be a time for s’mores, warm hoodies and crisp air. For me, it’s also a time to reflect, educate, recognize and honor the more than 53 million unpaid … Read more
What we say and do in response to the signs and symptoms of a mental health or substance use challenge can have a tremendous impact on the perceptions, actions and … Read more
With World Mental Health Day on Oct. 10, it’s more than fitting to ponder how compassion shows up in the world around us and what it looks like when it … Read more
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 65% of employees say they are rethinking the place that work should have in their lives, and 56% say they want to contribute more to … Read more
As a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) trainer who is on the road and in virtual training spaces regularly, I am one who talks about the importance of centering wellbeing … Read more
September marks National Recovery Month, an annual observance to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the emergence of a strong and proud recovery community and the dedication … Read more
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is more than a vital awareness and education training. It’s also a great avenue for professional development. Employees who pursue professional development in their careers … Read more
In June, two Ohio State University students died after taking what they believed to be Adderall, a prescription stimulant that is frequently misused by college students, but was actually the … Read more
If you or someone you know is in crisis or having suicidal thoughts, contact someone immediately! • If you feel unable to keep yourself safe, call 911. • Contact the … Read more
Taking time off from work has immense benefits for both our physical and mental wellbeing. According to the American Psychological Association, extended time off can increase life satisfaction, improve mental … Read more
Life can be challenging at times. Everyone experiences feelings like anxiety, sadness and stress now and then. While these feelings are common, it’s important to recognize when they may be … Read more
We’re bombarded with messages about our physical health. Commercials hawk the latest diet programs or supplements; magazines boast the best workout routines; and subway ads remind you to see your … Read more
In June, the National Council for Mental Wellbeing announced a new partnership with the National Association of Counties (NACo). NACo serves nearly 40,000 elected officials and 3.6 million employees in … Read more
Trauma and PTSD: What Are They and How Can I Help? *If you feel you or someone you know is in danger, call 911, a local mental health crisis hotline … Read more
After what feels like an eternity of stay-at-home orders and roped off public spaces, a somewhat “normal” summer is a welcome treat. Longer and warmer days, a more flexible work … Read more
It’s no secret that there is an unprecedented mental health crisis in the U.S. However, there is something we can do it about it. We know from the Mental Health … Read more
*If your child does or says anything that indicates they have a desire to hurt themselves or others, take them seriously. If you feel your child is in danger, call … Read more
Tobacco use has often been portrayed as harmless, something the “cool” kids do, especially in popular TV shows aimed at teens, like “Skins” and “Euphoria.” But in reality, commercial* tobacco … Read more
Throughout my Army career, I carried a piece of paper folded in the breast pocket of my uniform with a list of the names of the 35 soldiers killed in … Read more
Deputy sheriff. Army veteran. Crisis intervention specialist. Hostage negotiator. These titles paint a picture of the multitude of trainings I’ve taken and certifications I’ve earned throughout my career, but I … Read more
Our youth need our help. A new CDC survey shows significant increases in high school students reporting persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, considering suicide or attempting suicide over the … Read more
As a grits-powered mental health programming developer, facilitator and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Instructor, food is more than a source of sustenance for me. It’s an ice-breaker and a … Read more
For millennia, people living with mental health and substance use challenges were imprisoned, tortured and subjected to inhumane treatment. Our society has come a long way since then, however the … Read more
Many of us may be familiar with the phrase, “Hindsight is 20/20.” I know I am. I routinely wish I had known many of the things I know now when … Read more
You know that feeling when everything is going great, and suddenly you realize you’re 10 minutes late for an appointment, someone is rude to you or you drop everything you’re … Read more
The moment many of us have been eagerly awaiting – the start of Spring — has finally arrived! Did you know that natural medicine traditions like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese … Read more
The benefits of self-care can be much more than a fresh glow after using a face mask. Self-care is a frequent social media buzzword, but why is self-care important? While … Read more
In honor of Women’s History Month, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is sharing expert insight from National Trainer Jen Cox on how women can help reduce stigma, build a culture of nonjudgmental listening and support community members that show signs of needing help.
More than 33 million U.S. workers have quit their jobs since Spring 2021, and this wave, dubbed the “Great Resignation,” has focused the attention of workers and employers on mental … Read more
If you or someone you care about feels overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression or anxiety, or like you want to harm yourself or others call 911. You can also … Read more
Many people go through periods where their moods are impacted by the changing of the seasons. Feeling ‘down’ in the winter is a common experience, as well as periods of … Read more
Somewhere around the time the New Year’s Eve parties ended, retail displays transformed from winter wonderlands to Cupid’s playgrounds. But whether you dread it or eagerly anticipate it, Valentine’s Day … Read more
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 52.9 million people, or 21% of adults ages 18 years or older, experience a mental health or substance … Read more
It’s safe to say that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a major impact on all of our lives. Keeping distance from family and friends, and quarantining when sick, are … Read more
As 2021 comes to an end, you may be reflecting on the year that has passed and planning for the year to come. This past year was challenging for many, … Read more
As you think about how to support loved ones this holiday season, make sure to give extra consideration to those in recovery from substance or alcohol challenges. This festive period … Read more
The holiday season is here. For some, that means cherishing time with family and friends, but for many, especially those who feel emotionally distant or isolated from others, it’s a … Read more
Everyone faces stressors in life, especially in high school. Things like forgetting to do a school assignment, being late for work, having a messy room or an argument with a … Read more
We all feel stressed from time to time during the holiday season – there is pressure to attend social events, give gifts, travel and more that can take a toll … Read more
The holiday season is most often associated with traditions that may include traveling, spending time with family or friends, and tempting feasts. While these traditions can elicit feelings of anticipation … Read more
As conversations around mental health become more common, it is increasingly important that we consider the mental health of everyone – especially teens. Half of mental health challenges begin by … Read more
It has been nearly two years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and communities across the country continue to face COVID-19 cases and changing vaccine and mask mandates, all … Read more
Bullying is not an unfamiliar concept, especially for nearly 20 percent of students aged 12-18. According to the Mental Health First Aid curriculum, one in five American high school students … Read more
It’s impossible to avoid stress. Whether it’s impending deadlines for school or work, a packed to-do list or an argument with a loved one, everyone experiences stress from time to … Read more
