SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – Teachers and staff can participate in mental health support training to help identify when someone is struggling with anxiety or depression. The course also teaches teachers how to get help when someone is struggling.
Teachers and staff throughout Missouri can participate in mental health support training. Like CPR and first aid training, mental health first aid helps teachers recognize and respond to emotional distress.
Teachers can take these courses online or in person. It takes about a day to complete but once completed, teachers know a lot about how to recognize if a student is struggling and how to help them. Another important aspect of the program is learning how to have difficult conversations about topics such as substance abuse and suicide and being flexible in asking for help. Springfield Public Schools has offered these scholarships to ensure that students get the support they need in times of crisis.
“It also guides them on how to listen in a non-judgmental way, how to provide support and encouragement to the student that they are not alone, that they have someone on their side, who is fighting for them,” said Truman Elementary School Counselor Lola McClarnon. “And this will help them take that step.” next.”
Teachers learn about anxiety, depression, eating disorders, substance abuse and how to help these students through these difficult times. Other signs that teachers watch out for are withdrawal from activities that the student enjoyed in the past, significant changes in appearance, and changes in behavior.
“It is important that the knowledge necessary to recognize not only the development of stability and the red colors are the signs that can show that can help the student in the midst of problems, although the problem may be starting or tender. see the signs in the past to avoid them,” said McClarnon.
SPS also teaches youth mental health first aid so they can recognize when their peers may need help and direct them to the resources they need. If you are a teacher and want to complete the mental health first aid course, you can talk to your supervisor or CLICK HERE.
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