Mental illness and stigma

As we mourn victims of the latest tragedy in which the accused is a college student, our educational system needs to seriously consider requiring high school and college students, staff and faculty to learn about the signs and symptoms of mental illnesses.

Media reports describe the alleged shooter, James Holmes, as an extraordinarily bright student who was not quite himself after he started graduate school at the University of Colorado. He reportedly began spending more time alone and had delusions about being the Joker.

 It was during this critical transition from talented student to odd-acting loner, that someone could have approached him to see if he needed help. This is critical given that the telltale signs of many mental illnesses first become apparent in adolescence and young adulthood. Training to help people recognize the signs and symptoms of mental illnesses and intervene in mental health crises is available in the form of Mental Health First Aid.

Mental Health First Aid is a novel, evidence-based public education program that teaches participants how to assess a situation, select and implement appropriate interventions and help a person in crisis or developing the signs and symptoms of a mental illness. This groundbreaking training equips people to provide initial help until appropriate professional, peer or family support can be engaged. Participants also learn about the risk factors and warning signs of specific illnesses such as anxiety, depression, psychosis and addiction. And they learn how to initiate timely referral to mental health resources available in the community.

The training has done much to expand people’s knowledge of mental illnesses and their treatments, and to help people understand and accept mental illnesses as medical conditions. Thousands of people at colleges and universities across the USA have been certified in Mental Health First Aid.

 The Mental Health First Aid Higher Education Act (S. 3325/H.R. 5996), introduced by Senator Mark Begich (D-AK) and Congressman Jason Altmire (D-PA) and awaiting passage in Congress, would authorize a 5-year demonstration program to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs at 10 institutions of higher education. Training programs under this demonstration project would be offered to campus counseling center personnel, dormitory resident advisors, members of higher education threat assessment/disciplinary committees, appropriate faculty members, coaches or athletic department staff, and others – with the goal of improving overall student mental health and referring those in need to appropriate treatment.

We also realize that after horrific tragedies like this, people from all walks of life may be seeking mental health counseling. We suggest they use the “Find the Provider” search tool at www.TheNationalCouncil.org, which lists community mental health organizations like Rushford that are ready and willing to serve. In fact these organizations are often the first responders when a tragedy like the one at Aurora occurs. With funding from United Way  of Meriden and Wallingford, Rushford offers Mental Health First Aid courses to members of the community.  If you would like more information on MHFA, please contact me at 203-630-5357, e-mail sspragu@rushford.org

For more information on other programs offered at Rushford please go to www.rushford.org

Thank you.