Palm Health Foundation proudly supports the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) program through our Mental Health First Aid Fund. MHFA teaches members of the public how to identify and help a person who is experiencing a mental health crisis.
Since 2018, hundreds of residents have taken the training and now have the tools to help a neighbor in need. Palm Health Foundation plans to continue providing this life saving program to our community in partnership with Florida Blue Foundation, which helps fund MHFA, and Alpert Jewish Family Service, which administers it.
Feeling anxiety or depression is a common reaction in times of uneasiness or when there’s a perception of danger for ourselves, loved ones or the community. This pandemic we are living through definitely qualifies as such a time! Practicing social distancing from our loved ones and listening to the news — and not knowing what or when things will get back to normal — is frightening. This is a stressful time for many. It is important to give yourself, and others, a break. It is OK not to be OK. Recognizing that you or a loved one might need some additional support is the first step in reducing the feelings of anxiety or depression.
Stay connected with your friends and loved ones and support one another. Mental Health First Aid curriculum teaches us to treat those we wish to help and support with respect and dignity. Listen nonjudgmentally and offer reassurance. Emotional support is giving someone hope and not advice. Those experiencing anxiety or depression might need practical help. Tasks are often overwhelming, especially now with the limitations we have in the community. Without sounding like you are giving advice, offer information. Providing information and resources for additional support will show that help is available.
We have all had to change our daily routines, and even the smallest change can evoke many new emotions and feelings that we’ve never experienced. Health professionals recommend to eat healthy, exercise, stay connected to friends, family and neighbors, and even monitor media consumption. Practicing these things will help us all get through this challenging new way of life. Be kind to yourself! Treat yourself with the same compassion you would offer to someone you care about. Share what you are feeling, and ask others directly to share how they are feeling. Remember, we are all in this together.
Blog Post Submitted By:
Cindy Wides
Director, Community Outreach Mental Health First Aid
Alpert Jewish Family Service
