Mental Health First Aid Training Course Administered on Beren Campus

The Active Minds Club, in conjunction with YU’s Counseling Center and the Office of Student Life, hosted a ThriveNYC Mental Health First Aid Training course to educate 43 students about mental health, mental illness and how to aid others in a case of crisis, on Feb. 17 on the Beren Campus.

ThriveNYC is an initiative by New York City that aims to help New Yorkers recognize behavior of those in crisis, have the confidence to help those in crisis and destigmatize mental illnesses. They lead Mental Health First Aid Training courses for individuals of all ages, from adolescents to older adults.

The course spanned approximately eight hours, and covered topics such as self-harm, anxiety, substance abuse and psychosis. During the course, participants learned about conducting an effective conversation with those struggling with mental illnesses or substance abuse, and aiding those in crisis to seek professionally trained help.

“It is important that this event was held on our campus so that students can continue to raise awareness about mental health and deepen their knowledge about mental illness,” said Shanee Markovitz (SCW ‘20), who attended the first aid course and was also a speaker liaison for Stomp Out The Stigma, a mental health awareness event which took place on Feb. 13.

In the introduction to the course, the trainers explained that college students are at high risk for crises related to mental health and substance abuse due to factors such as brain development, stress and transitioning between stages of life. “This course is especially useful in this time of the year, with seasonal depression, the holidays being over, and lots of stress and especially after Stomp Out The Stigma,” stated Elana Luban (SCW ‘19). “Just knowing this exists on campus is important,” she added.

Photo Caption: Mental Health First Aid
Photo Credit: National Council for Behavioral Health