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GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — CPR and Basic First Aid classes abound, but how about a class that teaches how to identify and help people with mental illness.
Colorado West Mental Health is putting on such a seminar titled “Mental Health First Aid” Feb. 2-3.
Facilitating the course are Kathy Capps, licensed professional counselor and program director of Crisis Intervention Services at Colorado West, and Janice Curtis, program coordinator of peer services and recovery advocate.
The event is open to the public and the cost is $25, which covers the manual. Space is limited to 25 participants; RSVP to Capps at 970-683-7110 or kcapps@cwrmhc.org.
FREE PRESS: Who might be interested in attending this seminar?
CAPPS: This class offers something for everyone. Family or friends of someone who may be experiencing some mental health issues or concerns; front desk staff or individuals dealing with the public at large. This class will give the basic information about identifying a mental health crisis and give you steps and resources to assist someone in need.
FP: Can you list at least five things attendees will learn over the two-day event.
CAPPS: Individuals will learn the basic symptoms of depression, anxiety, psychotic disorders, eating disorders and alcohol abuse. They will learn action steps in Assessing, Listening, Giving reassurance and offering resources to individuals who might be experiencing a mental health crisis. There will be discussion on risks of suicide or self-harm as well as discussion on treatment and recovery.
FP: Why is this training/awareness important?
CAPPS: The goal is simply to train as many folks as we can so that we can demystify mental health issues as well as increase the awareness of just how common some mental health issues really are.
Mesa County and Colorado both exceed the national rate for completed suicides (national rate 11%, Colorado rate 16-21%). Through education and awareness we many impact that number and more importantly move people through their crisis into recovery where they, too, can participate in our beautiful community.
FP: What is the definition of mental illness?
CAPPS: Mental Health First Aid identifies a mental disorder or mental illness as a diagnosable illness that affects a person's thinking, emotional state and behavior. It disrupts the persons' ability to work, carry out daily activities, and engage in satisfying relationships.
Depending on what your mental illness is, there are varying degrees of how it affects you in these areas. Class participants will learn about living with schizophrenia, depression and anxiety. They will have a chance to learn about the struggles of mental illness as well as understand that recovery is possible.
FP: How often is this class taught?
CAPPS: Colorado West Mental Heath has offered this class for a few years. This year, we have set four training dates but will be happy to offer additional classes if a group has an interest. The dates are: Feb. 2-3, May 3-4, Aug. 2-3, Nov. 1-2.
Colorado West Mental Health is putting on such a seminar titled “Mental Health First Aid” Feb. 2-3.
Facilitating the course are Kathy Capps, licensed professional counselor and program director of Crisis Intervention Services at Colorado West, and Janice Curtis, program coordinator of peer services and recovery advocate.
The event is open to the public and the cost is $25, which covers the manual. Space is limited to 25 participants; RSVP to Capps at 970-683-7110 or kcapps@cwrmhc.org.
FREE PRESS: Who might be interested in attending this seminar?
CAPPS: This class offers something for everyone. Family or friends of someone who may be experiencing some mental health issues or concerns; front desk staff or individuals dealing with the public at large. This class will give the basic information about identifying a mental health crisis and give you steps and resources to assist someone in need.
FP: Can you list at least five things attendees will learn over the two-day event.
CAPPS: Individuals will learn the basic symptoms of depression, anxiety, psychotic disorders, eating disorders and alcohol abuse. They will learn action steps in Assessing, Listening, Giving reassurance and offering resources to individuals who might be experiencing a mental health crisis. There will be discussion on risks of suicide or self-harm as well as discussion on treatment and recovery.
FP: Why is this training/awareness important?
CAPPS: The goal is simply to train as many folks as we can so that we can demystify mental health issues as well as increase the awareness of just how common some mental health issues really are.
Mesa County and Colorado both exceed the national rate for completed suicides (national rate 11%, Colorado rate 16-21%). Through education and awareness we many impact that number and more importantly move people through their crisis into recovery where they, too, can participate in our beautiful community.
FP: What is the definition of mental illness?
CAPPS: Mental Health First Aid identifies a mental disorder or mental illness as a diagnosable illness that affects a person's thinking, emotional state and behavior. It disrupts the persons' ability to work, carry out daily activities, and engage in satisfying relationships.
Depending on what your mental illness is, there are varying degrees of how it affects you in these areas. Class participants will learn about living with schizophrenia, depression and anxiety. They will have a chance to learn about the struggles of mental illness as well as understand that recovery is possible.
FP: How often is this class taught?
CAPPS: Colorado West Mental Heath has offered this class for a few years. This year, we have set four training dates but will be happy to offer additional classes if a group has an interest. The dates are: Feb. 2-3, May 3-4, Aug. 2-3, Nov. 1-2.
