AT A TIME WHEN SUICIDE RISK IS HIGH, GCC OFFERS 12-HOUR MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID COURSE THAT CAN SAVE LIVES

This year Mental Health Awareness Week (Oct. 2-8) has arrived at a time in which many Americans find themselves in crises.
According to a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide rates in the U.S. rise during recessions and fall during economic booms. Recognizing emotional depression and reacting appropriately can save lives.
Meanwhile, suicide rates among military personnel and veterans returning from Afghanistan and Iraq are alarmingly high. Many are being attributed to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Recognizing PTSD and getting the individual help could save his or her life.
So the time seems right for Germanna Community College to offer Mental Health First Aid, a 12-hour course over two Saturdays—Oct. 22 and 29—designed to train people to assist those developing a mental health problem or crisis. Successful completion prepares those who take the course to respond to individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts, panic attacks and addiction relapse, among other problems.
Learning objectives include:
• A working knowledge of the potential risk factors and warning signs for a range of mental health problems.
• How to deal with depression, anxiety, trauma, psychiatric disorders, eating disorders, substance abuse disorders and self-injury such as cutting.
• A five-step action plan encompassing the skills, resources and knowledge to assess the situation, implement interventions and help the person in crisis connect with appropriate professional care.
• A working knowledge of the appropriate professional, peer, social and self-help resources available to help someone with a mental health problem treat and manage the problem and recover.
Upon successful completion of the course, participants receive Mental Health First Aid USA certification. Registration deadline is Oct. 13.
The course runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 22 and Oct. 29 at the Red Cross facility at 4836 Southpoint Parkway near the Cracker Barrel in Massaponax. It costs $169. To register, please contact GCC’s Center for Workforce & Community Education at 540/891-3012.