Youth Mental Health First Aid training will be offered by Berrien RESA to school staff this summer. RESA Superintendent Eric Hoppstock tells WSJM News the session on August 15 will help those who work with adolescents be better prepared to spot signs a teen is struggling.
“I’m a teacher, and I’m not going to be providing therapy, but what are some things that I can do? This is one of those things that, just like first aid is not meant to take the place of surgery or a doctor’s care, it can take care of some of those smaller things. Those anxieties, depression, substance abuse disorders, at their early stages, they can recognize them.”
The training session will be led by staff from Spectrum Health Lakeland. Hoppstock says topics will include anxiety, depression, substance abuse, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders, and eating disorders. The training will be free and come with a $125 stipend for those who are teachers. It takes place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. August 15 with a registration deadline of August 5. We have a link to more information at our website.
