Over the weekend, I was fortunate to attend my first training in mental health first aid. This class was aimed specifically at the mental health of adults. They have various classes that will fit what you are looking for. This course was eight hours and covered everything from anxiety, depression, psychosis and substance abuse. The program originated in Australia and is used all across the world today. In a class of sixteen, I listened as eagerly as I could (it was a Saturday after all.) There were times when we would split into groups and perform activities related to what we were learning. One interesting activity involved one person having three people talk to them at the same time. This was to demonstrate someone in a pychosis state.
We learned about suicide and what to do and not do when someone is suicidal. The most interesting thing I learned was a coping mechanism for panic attacks. While experiencing an attack, count five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell and one thing you can taste. This method will hopefully distract one enough and will be able to recover from the panic attack easily.
At the end of the day, I am now certified and able to notice and help with a mental health emergency until professionals can be called. I would recommend everyone take this course.
For more info on classes near you, visit:
the Standing Strong blog 