Mahaska Health Partnership Behavioral Health Services encourages Mental Health First Aid Training

Mahaska Health Partnership

MAHASKA COUNTY– Mahaska Health Partnership Behavioral Health Services will be offering Mental Health First Aid Training on Wednesday, Feb. 15 and Wednesday, Feb. 29 from 9 am to 4 pm on the MHP campus in Oskaloosa. Participants must attend both classes.

“There are many types of mental illness people might experience at some point in their lives,” MHP Behavioral Health Clinical Supervisor and Trainer Kimberly Pickett, LISW, said. “Mental Health First Aid training will help all types of people from teachers, to healthcare professionals, clergy members and the general public; learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health problems and how to help.”

Pickett said a commonly misunderstood mental health illness is depression. “There are many types of depression and although they have some similar symptoms, afflicted people need to be treated very differently.”

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, major depressive disorder is a combination of symptoms that interfere with a person’s ability to do activities of daily living such as working, eating and enjoying fun activities. “A person might experience depression during a single episode in their lives or they could have ongoing issues,” Pickett explained.

The types of depression outlined by the institute include dysthymic disorder and minor depression. Dysthymic disorder is characterized by feelings that prevent normal functioning for two years or more. Minor depression is when a person experiences symptoms for two weeks or longer; these people are at risk for developing major depression unless they seek treatment.

“Depression can also take on many forms and it is important to know which stage a person is experiencing in order to help them,” Pickett stressed. The institute reviewed three forms including psychotic depression which occurs when a person has severe depression and disturbing beliefs or is unable to determine what reality.

Postpartum depression occurs in the time after a woman has a baby and can be very severe. Seasonal affective disorder is the onset of depression usually during the winter months when there is less natural sunlight. Bipolar disorder is also referred to as manic-depressive illness and is not as common. People suffering from bipolar disorder have cycling mood changes from extreme highs to extreme lows.

“Each of these types and forms of depression are very real and can have a substantial impact on a person’s quality of life as well as those around them,” Pickett explained. “Through classes such as Mental Health First Aid, the hope is for the public to learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms to be able to intervene. If more people affected by mental illness receive treatment, the lasting effects can be reduced.”

To register for the next Mental Health First Aid training or for more information, call 641-672-3128. The deadline to register is Friday, February 3. To learn how Mahaska Health Partnership is making healthcare personal, visit our website at mahaskahealth.org.