Mental Health and Stress Reduction

WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID?

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a six-hour hybrid training designed to give participants the skills to help someone developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The course uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to recognize and respond to the warning signs and symptoms of a mental illness or emotional crisis.

The course is tailored specifically for University cultures to include:

• A discussion of campus culture and its relevance to mental health.
• A discussion of the specific stress and risk factors the higher education population faces.
• Application of the action plan in several scenarios explicitly designed for campus community members.
• A review of the mental health resources on campus and community partners.

WHY MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID?

Mental Health First Aid helps participants understand that mental illnesses and substance use disorders are real, common, and treatable and that it is okay to seek help. Research indicates this program's effectiveness in improving knowledge of mental illness and substance use, removing fear and misunderstanding, and enabling those trained to offer concrete assistance. Mental Health First Aid is proven effective and listed in SAMHSA's registry of evidence-based programs and practices.

HOW DO I REGISTER FOR A MHFA TRAINING?

The POWER unit offers several trainings for students, faculty, and staff throughout the semester. 

This blended learning course allows participants to take a 2-hour online course before the 6-hour virtual training. Participants MUST register in advance to ensure they have time to complete the 2-hour online course, or they will not be permitted to attend the virtual training. Registration for the training closes one week before the virtual training date. All seats are purchased in advance through the MHFA platform; therefore, refunds are not permitted. Any course changes must be submitted 72 hours before the virtual training date. Participants must attend the full eight-hour training to receive the certification.

COURSE OFFERINGS

Course offerings for the Fall 2023 Semester: TBD

Individuals wanting to complete MHFA training, please register using the above link. MHFA offerings from POWER are only available to the University of Kentucky community (i.e., current students, faculty, and staff). Individual offerings are subject to be canceled if fewer than 8 participants register.

Departments with twelve or more individuals wanting to be trained can request a MHFA Request Training Form for your team members. To request a team training form, contact Thomas Ard at thomas.ard@uky.edu with possible dates, cost center, and approximate attendee number. Training costs $30 per person, including the 3-year MHFA certification.

IMPORTANT UKY Employees: The University does not permit pro cards or reimbursements using personal credit cards.  

HOW DOES MHFA DIFFER FROM QUESTION, PERSUADE, REFER (QPR)?

POWER and the UK Counseling Center offer ongoing QPR classes intended to teach participants three steps that anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. QPR is a free, 60–90-minute suicide prevention training that teaches participants how to recognize a suicide crisis and how to get help.  

WHY BOTH? Mental Health First Aid is a great starting point due to the comprehensive approach covering the basics of a broad spectrum of situations you might encounter, while trainings like QPR, Working Minds, and Safe2Tell can give you more specific resources for suicide prevention. 

QPR is a one-hour suicide prevention training for students, staff, and faculty to recognize the warning signs of suicide and question, persuade, and refer people at risk for suicide for help. POWER will host in-person sessions at the Gatton Student Center throughout the semester. Details for the training are listed on the POWER BBNvolved Upcoming Events tab above.

For those seeking departmental or organizational in-person training requests, contact Thomas Ard at Thomas.ard@uky.edu.

How can I register to take self-paced QPR training online?

1. Go to qprtraining.com/setup 
2. Enter the organization code UK
3. Select Create Account
4. Complete and submit the registration form using your uky.edu email address
5. Log in to begin the training at qprtraining.com
   1. In the OCCUPATION field, indicate EMPLOYEE or STUDENT
   2. In the Organization/School field, indicate the Department (if employee) or college (if student)

Koru Mindfulness is an evidence-based program specifically designed with college students in mind to help reduce stress and anxiety while also increasing one's sleep and self-compassion. Participants will learn specific skills that help calm and focus their mind, including breathing exercises, guided imagery, body scan, and more!

KORU BASIC

An introduction to mindfulness and meditation. Taught as a weekly, 75-minute class over four weeks by a trained Koru Instructor. 

KORU 2.0

An "advanced" class for participants who have competed Koru Basic and are eager for more mindfulness. This course also consists of a weekly, 75-minute class taught over four weeks by a trained Koru Instructor.

Writing: Journal as Mindfulness

This group is for students who want to begin or deepen a mindfulness practice and learn to use journal writing to enhance physical and mental health. Focuses on learning various types of writing: reflective, expressive, spontaneous, contemplative, and more. Members are not required to read from their journal or to have a daily practice. Perfect for those individuals wanting to see what all the talk about Koru is, as well as participants who have completed a Koru course but are looking for instructor-led opportunities to continue their mindfulness practice.

KORU Retreat

A half-day silent mindfulness retreat for students, faculty, and staff wanting to try an immersive mindfulness experience.