MENTAL HEALTH News:

September is Suicide Prevention Month. An appropriate way to show your support of suicide prevention and improve your knowledge about mental health is to sign up for a Mental Health First Aid Class.

The New Mexico Crisis and Access Line, along with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and Trinity on the Hill Episcopal Church are hosting a Youth Mental Health First Aid Course in Los Alamos Wednesday, Oct. 21.

The class is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis.

Youth Mental Health First Aid is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a five-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations.

Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD), and eating disorders.

The class is taught by Wendy Linebrink-Allison, B. Soc. Sci., CPSW

Program Manager, New Mexico Crisis and Access Line. Seven Social Work CEUs are available for Social Workers.

Registration is $20. Register by calling Cynthia at 505.662.5107 or e-mail cynthiab@latoth.org.