Workshop Description:

A student shouts in rage, “I wish I were dead!” Is he expressing suicidal ideation? A student quickly covers cut marks over her left forearm. Should we approach her or respect her privacy?

The National Alliance on Mental Illness data shows that one in five adolescents between the ages of 13 and 18 will experience a severe mental illness, and only 20 percent will receive treatment. We know, then, that our students are coming to us with mental health needs that are greater than ever before. This can feel overwhelming, especially when we want to help our students achieve to their fullest potential and are not sure how to.

The good news is that basic mental health first aid can offer practical, valuable tools. We don’t need to be a cardiac surgeon to perform CPR, and sometimes CPR can save a life. Similarly, we don’t have to be a licensed mental health professionals to provide basic mental health first aid in the classroom.

Learning Outcomes:

• Participants will learn the types and symptoms of mental illness.

• Participants will know risk factors and warning signs of suicidal ideation.

• Participants will understand the basic framework for developing a campus-wide intervention policy for students who express suicidal ideation.

• Participants will gain strategies to support a student who expresses suicidal ideation.

• Participants will develop communication skills, such as listening and reflecting skills, to increase their ability to develop a relational connection with students who are struggling.