Course to help adults recognize mental illness in youngsters

A free youth mental-health first-aid course is coming to Cape Girardeau County in August.

Mary Gosche and Mary Engram, Human Development Specialists for the University of Missouri Extension, will instruct the course, geared for adults who work regularly with children and young adults.

Teachers, nurses, youth group leaders and even foster parents would benefit from the course, said Gosche. It's an eight-hour event where participants learn a five-step action plan to support adolescents developing signs of mental illness and practice putting it in action with simulations.

"It's excellent for adults ... who work with youth for extra training for how to react in an emergency," she said.

The plan can be applied to help adolescents experiencing panic attacks; suicidal thoughts or behaviors; overdose or withdrawal from alcohol or drug use; or reaction to a traumatic event. Participants also learn about depression, anxiety, trauma, psychosis and addiction disorders and what local resources are available to help. Gosche said it's important for participants to stay the full eight hours to gather all the information and participate in the practice exercises. Those who do so will receive a certificate for completing the course. A free workbook also will be distributed to those in attendance.

The course will not teach participants to diagnose disorders or how to provide therapy or counseling.

Gosche said the course is the first of its kind offered at the Jackson MU Extension Center. If the class reaches its 25-applicant capacity, she said there's a possibility more will be offered in the future.

A similar class taking place in September in Sikeston, Missouri, taught by Engram, already has been filled.

Those who wish to participate in the Aug. 7 youth mental health first aid training in Jackson must register by July 31. The course is free and continuing education units are available for an additional $15 upon completion of training from the Missouri Institute of Mental Health. To register, contact the Cape Girardeau County MU Extension Center at 243-3581.

To learn more about the course and opportunities to attend other courses in the area, visit mentalhealthfirstaid.org.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

684 W. Jackson Trail, Jackson, Mo.