Could You Recognize The Warning Signs of a Mental Health Problem? Here’s How

Just as we need CPR training for physical problems, Mental Health First Aid offers valuable training for us to recognize and help people with mental health issues. This global, lifesaving program is now taught in a one-day online course.  I took Youth Mental Health First Aid and plan to take Adult Mental Health First Aid Soon. Jaime Angelini, Director of Consumer Services for The Mental Health Association in Atlantic County, explains why we all need this important program. 

WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID?

Mental Health First Aid is a course that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis.

WHO THEY HAVE REACHED

More than 2 million people across the United States have been trained in Mental Health First Aid by a dedicated base of more than 15,000 Instructors.

 

Mental Health First Aiders are…

Teachers, first responders and veterans. They’re neighbors, parents and friends. They’re people in recovery, and those supporting a loved one They’re First Ladies and Mayors. Mental Health First Aiders are anyone who wants to make their community healthier, happier and safer for all.

 

If you or someone you know is in a crisis situation and having thoughts of death, dying and/or suicide, contact the following resources 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

NJ Hopeline: 1-855-654-6735

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

National Crisis Text Line: text the word “BRAVE” to 741-741

Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ specific crisis line): 866-488-7386 or text “Trevor” to 1-202-304-1200

Veteran’s Crisis Line (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline): 1-800-273-8255 or text 838255

 

Jaime Angelini, MA, DRCC

Jaime Angelini is the Director of Consumers Services at the Mental Health Association in NJ. For close to two decades Jaime has worked as a mental health advocate and mental health educator. She pvides support, education and advocacy to individuals in NJ living with mental health challenges and substance use disorders.

Jaime is a certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor, QPR Instructor, Parent Educator, and Disaster Response Crisis Counselor. She is Co-chair of the Atlantic County Hoarding Task Force and has a special interest in working with individuals living with Hoarding Disorder. Additionally, Jaime spends a considerable amount of time at high schools and colleges educating students and young adults on the topic of mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and the importance of self-care.

Jaime has strong ties to the community and participates in a variety of boards and advocacy committees. When Super Storm Sandy hit in 2012, she was very actively involved in recovery efforts for more than 3 years.  In recent months, Jaime has spent a lot of her time providing emotional and mental health support to those impacted by COVID19.