High gas and grocery prices, bullying, and the loss of a loved one are just a few contributing factors that can push people to the edge. That's why a church in Warren opened its doors to offer free training on responding to signs of mental illness. Janet Rogers has our report During National Mental Health Awareness Month.
 
One out of every five adults in the US live with mental illness knowing how to respond can be critical. 
 
That's why nurses, police, firefighters, educators, and community leaders spent around 6 hours learning about common mental illness signs and symptoms at this Mental Health First Aid workshop.
 
"Mental Health First Aid is training that we do that also opens the door for awarded. We talk about what those signs are before they became worse. Early intervention is always key," Instructor Yulanda Prude said. 
 
Yulanda Prude, a Mental Health Instructor for the National Council for Mental Health Well Being, who's recognized nationally and statewide, taught the workshop in Warren.
 
Shane Floyd the Senior Pastor of Grace AME Church there recognizes the importance of reaching folks outside church walls in communities. 
 
"If we provide outlets for people to have support networks in place to meet their needs. I think it will take us a lot further into being revealed in the ministry in the 21st Century, Reverend Shane K. Floyd, Pastor of Grace American Methodist Episcopal Church said.
 
The church will offer another adult-based training workshop on June 17th.
 
And Grace AME Church in Warren holds started the National Mental Health Alliance support group. 
 
People meet there every 2nd Wednesday of the month
 
Statistics show in 2021 48,183 people died from suicide. 
 
The rates for teens are higher than other age groups, with bullying, and sextortion, contributing.
 
Teens also often believe they have no one, not even parents they can't talk to.
 
"They should definitely ask the question are you thinking about suicide? Do you have any type of thoughts that pop into your mind, or are you thinking about killing yourself?" Instructor Prude said. 
 
Mental Health help is available by calling a 24-hour suicide and crisis hotline at 988, or 211 for your local resources. 
 
Mental Health teachers remind people if they call 911 they should request a CIT or Crisis Intervention officer, or Crisis Intervention Team respond instead of a law enforcement officer without mental health training. 
 
You can find out more opportunities for training and events by searching for Mental Health First Aid by logging on to www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org