Stigma Free Morris: Youth Mental Health First Aid Workshop May 3 in Madison

Published on April 15, 2019

Also, Hike to Fight Suicide in Jefferson on May 18

Madison: May 3

Learn how to help young people experiencing a mental health crisis during Youth Mental Health First Aid Training, a free day-long workshop in Madison on May 3.

Mental Health First Aid is an 8-hour course that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders.

The training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis.

Mental Health First Aid takes the fear and hesitation out of starting conversations about mental health and substance use problems by improving understanding and providing an action plan that teaches people to safely and responsibly identify and address a potential mental illness or substance use disorder.

Class participants will learn the unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health concerns among young people, in addition to information on depression, anxiety, trauma, psychosis, and substance use.

The workshop will be held Friday, May 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at F.M. Kirby Children's Center of the Madison Area YMCA, 54 East Street, Madison. A continental breakfast and light lunch will be provided. The workshop is free.

To register, contact Lindsay DeStefano at (732) 757-5941 or email DeStefanoL@rosenet.org. Class size is limited 30. Participants must be at least 18 to attend.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention New Jersey Chapter is providing this workshop through funds raised by the Out of the Darkness Walks, with support from Madison Health Department, Madison Municipal Alliance.

Jefferson: May 18

A separate but related event will be held in Jefferson on Saturday, May 18. Hike to Fight Suicide will be held at Camp Jefferson in Jefferson Township/Lake Hopatcong. Registration and check-in begins at 9 a.m. The hike begins at 10 a.m. Register here.(JPG, 12KB)

Choose from two hikes; all levels of hikers are welcome. An easy hike around a lake and a more moderate course are offered. Friendly dogs on leases are welcome.

The event is sponsored by JT Connect and The Mayor's Wellness Campaign. For more information, email dana.critchlaw@gmail.com.

For other Stigma-Free events, visit the calendar of events.