Penn State Shenango faculty offer free mental health and first aid training

Sometimes a mental health crisis can feel impossible to overcome but that's why faculty at Penn State Shenango are offering tips and tools to help pull someone out of the hole.

"The idea is really just empower people to be there, to offer support or resources or information to help them through these types of situations," Roxanne Atterholt, associate teaching professor of human development and family studies at PSU said.

As mental health issues are ever increasing, treating them starts with knowing what to look for.

"There is definitely an increase in mental health needs and I think that there needs to be a lot more education to help those individuals," Tammy Divens, teaching professor in the occupational therapy assistant program at PSU said.

It's important to know however what to do in these situations and what not to do.

"So, steps you can use when you're working with an individual that may be experiencing some early signs of mental health challenges and then we move into worsening signs and what to do if someone's in crisis," Atterholt said.

"If we equip people to identify those types of signs and symptoms, then they're more likely to provide resources or reach out and give assistance so that person can get the help that they need," Divens added.

Participants like Kesha Coleman, who's a teacher in Youngstown, is hoping what she learned to day will benefit her students.

"I just feel like if I can educate myself a little further then I can be of some assistance. you know, we need mental health advocates, workers, just somebody to talk to because it's real," Coleman said. "Everybody's fighting a battle we have no idea about. Just being aware of the signs, being able to be approachable and be able to help them is just amazing," she said.

Although mental health training may not be something you can soak up entirely in one day, Atterholt says, every little bit helps and participants agree.

"I think it's an ongoing practice you have to constantly keep remembering it and keep practicing it," Kayla Jovenall of Sharon said.

If you or someone you know is struggling, call the suicide and crisis life line at 988.