Why Mental Health First Aid?

When we think of giving first aid, we most likely think of attending to people who have had an accident or a health-related incident. Techniques like applying pressure to a bleeding wound, splinting a limb, or performing CPR are skills one might learn in a first aid class. But what about giving first aid to someone who may be experiencing a mental health crisis? What do we do when we see behavior changes in a family member, friend, or neighbor?

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is defined: "The help offered to a person developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The first aid is given until appropriate treatment and support are received or until the crisis resolves." (National Council for Mental Wellbeing)

Everyone has a bad day or goes through tough times occasionally. However, when someone exhibits signs of sadness or hopelessness, feels anxious, or is unable to attend to responsibilities over a period of time, it may indicate the start of a mental health disorder. In Mental Health First Aid, one is taught how to respond to someone in a caring, respectful and compassionate manner. One learns how to express concern when changes in behavior are observed or when the person seems out of the ordinary.

Mental health disorders range from mild to severe. Many people can benefit from simple lifestyle changes to alleviate symptoms, while others need more intensive intervention. Severity can be gauged by how much a person's mental condition interferes with their ability to love, laugh, love, and learn.

In any one year, 18.5% of adults in the U.S. have a mental illness. Yet, only 41% of those dealing with a mental health disorder receive treatment. In general, people delay – often for many years - in seeking help. The median delay is ten years. (National Council for Mental Wellbeing)

Stigma is a huge barrier to people tending to their mental health needs. There is a great deal of misunderstanding about mental health disorders, and as a society, we are still not comfortable talking about it. MHFA seeks to debunk myths, increase knowledge, and reduce stigma. We should be able to talk about our mental health as freely as we do our physical health. But we don't do it for fear of what people might think. Yet, untreated mental health disorders can be as disabling as many physical conditions.

The earlier one gets treatment, the less severe their condition is likely to become, and the chance for recovery is higher. It encourages us to shift from judging behavior to trying to understand it, embracing that there could be underlying causes that need attention. There are many causes for mental health disorders - genetics, trauma, chemical imbalances, organic diseases, tumors, injury, and more. Telling someone to get over it, change their perspective, or be happy does not work.

Developed by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, this program provides information and skills to anyone interested in taking the course. Departments of human services across all PA counties have trained instructors, and the National Council has a list of current instructors available at their website, Mental Health First Aid.

Penn State Extension has a team of trained instructors who deliver Mental Health First Aid, both the Adult version and the curriculum for adults who work with youth.  Extension educators and staff are trained in Mental Health First Aid to be responsive to the overall health and wellness of residents of PA, and the new hybrid training is now available to the public.  Please visit:

MHFA Adults Working with Youth

Adult Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)

Mental health disorders know no bounds. They are prevalent in both rural and urban communities, among all races and ethnic groups. MHFA teaches us to handle each other with care and perhaps be that one person who might make a difference for someone.