The training of mental health care extends to strengthen the well -being of the campus – press room

While mental health problems among students continue to increase, the Montclair State University adopts a proactive approach through Mental health first aid training. The program offers participants the skills necessary to recognize and meet mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, drug addiction and crisis situations.

Training in person in person has certified participants for three years and has already had a significant impact. Since its launch, Montclair has certified more than 1,500 members of the campus community.

“Mental health care helps people develop the skills necessary to notice the signs and symptoms of current mental health problems and challenges”, explains Jude Mr. UY, staff psychologist and prevention and programming coordinator of well-being. “What we see is that people who follow the training in fact report better mental health themselves.”

The next training in person are:

• Students: Friday February 21, 2025
• Faculty / staff: From Monday to Friday during spring vacation week (March 10 to March 15, 2025)

The training is for a day, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the size of the courses is limited to the first 30 that registers.

Mental health care has been developed in Australia to provide practical training in mental health, similar to traditional physical health care. Over the past 25 years, he has widened worldwide. Montclair presented the program in 2022 through a subsidy and continues to finance training through consulting and psychology services (CAPS).

Montclair teachers and staff are encouraged to undergo training because they often interact with students with distress. Those who have completed the program report, they are better able to recognize the signs of mental health struggles in their classes and to direct the students to the support they need.

“The teachers’ comments were extremely positive,” said Melissa Zarin, associate director of psychological advice and services. “They catch things earlier and lead students to good resources.”

One of the main strengths of the course was how it helped destroy the idea that you cannot ask people how they are going or express their concern for their well-being, because it might not be requested Or as if you are walking in the personal person of someone business. The course has stressed that registration on others is important and that it is normal to ask direct questions when you are concerned, even if someone has not shown obvious signs of struggle.

Respond to a growing need

At the national level, anxiety and depression remain the most common mental health problems among students. Montclair is no exception. However, following COVVI-19, the advisers observed new models in mental health of students.

“From the pandemic, we have seen an increase in social anxiety and students thinking that they have ADHD, although it is often a by-product of other factors,” explains Zarin. “We also continue to see cases of food disorders, drug addiction, family problems, academic stress and psychosis.”

In addition to Consulting and psychological servicesThe University offers a range of support services via various offices, including Health promotion office and the Student membership officewho understands group therapy,, peer advice,, telehentan,, Prevention and well-being events And Pet therapy. These services are intended to provide targeted support to groups of vulnerable students who, according to research, may need additional resources to fully engage in university life. Recent initiatives include Nap popes, Zen dens and sensory spaces. In addition, with a new subsidy of $ 3 million, the university is Integration of consulting services into internship programs.

Cultural considerations: Breaking the stigma

One of the challenges Mental health first aid Addresses are the stigma of mental health in different cultures. In some communities, the search for professional aid is discouraged and individuals can rather turn to the family or religious leaders.

“For some cultures, discussing mental health problems outside the family is considered to be shameful,” said UY. “It is the beauty of mental health care – it allows our community to support each other in an appropriate and effective way.”

With the diversified student population of Montclair, the understanding of these cultural differences is essential to ensure that all students feel seen, supported and connected to good resources.

“Our goal is to create an active campus of the spectator – a place where students and teachers do not ignore signs of distress but act rather,” explains Zarin. “Mental health care gives people the tools to do so.”

Find more information and registration for training at Mental health first aid.

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