Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education offers educators mental health first aid training

SPRINGFIELD, MO. (KY3) – Teachers and staff participate in mental health first aid training to help recognize that someone may be struggling with anxiety or depression. This training also teaches educators how to find help when someone is struggling.

Teachers and staff throughout Missouri can attend mental health first aid courses. Similar to CPR and first aid training, mental health first aid helps teachers recognize and respond to mental health issues.

Teachers can take courses online or in person. It takes about a day to complete, but once completed, educators can recognize if a student may be struggling and know more about how to help . Another important component of the program is learning how to have difficult conversations about topics such as substance abuse and suicide and normalizing seeking help. We provide this training so that you can get the help you need.

“It also shows how you go through the process of listening without judging, the support that gives that student that they are not alone, that they have someone by their side, fighting for them.” and step-by-step instructions on how to provide encouragement,” said Truman Elementary School Councilor Laura McClarnon. “And it will help them take the next step.”

Teachers learn about anxiety, depression, eating disorders, substance abuse, and how to save these students from crisis. Some signs that teachers look out for are a student’s withdrawal from previously enjoyed activities, major changes in appearance, and changes in behavior.

“These kinds of red flags that can help students in the midst of a crisis, or that can appear when a crisis is starting or can be kind, not just typical development. It’s valuable information to recognize these symptoms before taking preventive measures,” McClarnon said.

SPS also trains teens in mental health first aid so they can recognize when their peers need help and refer them to the resources they need. If you are an educator and are interested in completing a mental health first aid training course, talk to your administrator or click here.

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