��ñ��

On Wednesday, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) members were at the ��ñ�� School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences to train its faculty and staff about how to respond to signs of mental health illnesses and how to improve their own mental well-being.

MHFA teaches individuals how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training provides the skills needed to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem, or who is experiencing a crisis.

Christopher Seavey, the director of assessment for the School of Pharmacy, was one of the staff members in attendance.

“After attending today’s training, I learned how important it is to offer statements of reassurance when someone is dealing with a mental health challenge,” Seavey said.

MHFA trains people to be more prepared to assess for risk of suicide or harm, listen non-judgmentally, give reassurance and resources, encourage appropriate professional services, and encourage self-help and support strategies. Everyone in regular contact with students has an important role in the effort to foster student well-being, in helping to protect students from developing mental health issues and to provide them access to services that they would benefit from.

Christianna Friedrichsen, the associate director of admissions, says taking the course helped her better prepare for helping not only students at the school but also yone in her life outside of it.

“The Mental Health First Aid course was a great way to learn about different things that affect our mental health and overall well-being, and how to address crises and potential crises when they arise,” Friedrichsen said. “I learned a lot about how to show up for people in need and feel better equipped to help our students, my colleagues and other folks in my life.”

MHFA training is a sustainable approach to changing the overall health culture of our campus and positively affect student mental health. One of plans covered in the training was the MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE), a step-by-step action plan when providing support to someone who may be experiencing a distressing situation, just as you would if you were administering first aid for a fall.

Rachel Delanoy, the assistant to the dean, was particularly fond of ALGEE, saying it provides a very useful framework to assist someone who may be experiencing a mental health challenge.

“The class discussions provided great insights into the different ways people could perceive and interpret questions and statements that were intended to be helpful,” Delanoy said. “I also appreciated the reminder about the need for those providing Mental Health First Aid to take care of themselves as well.”

The School of Pharmacy will be holding another wellness team event on Wednesday, Aug. 13, at SOPPS. It will be an all-day event open to pharmacy faculty and staff.