Dispelling the stigma of mental health with a first aid course has become the mission of a local church where people are learning first aid skills first-hand.
“It’s especially needed in the African American community,” said Friendship Baptist Church Pastor Clinton Edwards.
Community members gathered Friday morning at Friendship Baptist Church to participate in a mental health first aid training course that teaches how to deal with mental health issues.
Throughout the day, people learned mental health terminology, how to offer help and support, and how to respond to people who are dealing with mental health issues.
Participants at the course also mentioned concerns about how COVID-19 is playing a role in children’s mental health needs due to isolation and mental health.
The many stressors that can affect mental health were also discussed.
Robin Ellison, education coordinator at Prisma Health Psychiatry and South Carolina Mental Health Ambassador for the National Council on Mental Health, explains the specifics used to describe people with mental health issues. talked about words and terms.
“Talking about this directly impacts how people receive care,” she said.
Mr Ellison said with many people facing isolation, it was important to check in on someone, and talking to someone for at least 15 minutes was good for mental health.
“Lack of social connection has a negative impact on mental health,” she said.
Augusta Area Pastor Vivian Hambrick said she came to the event because she believes it is important to be educated about mental health and how to support people in the community and church.
“I’m here to inform and educate myself so I can better connect with individuals and be their supporter.”
Mr Hambrick said it was important to be a good listener and not be judgmental, allow people to express themselves and connect people with professional services and support.
“I think it helps me know how to respond and be able to respond in a positive and loving manner,” she said.
Angrea Fleming decided to host the event at her church after taking a similar class at a youth rural health service. She enjoyed it so much that she took another class for adults.
She said the church has a soup kitchen so other needs besides food could be taken care of.
“I learned so much the second time around, and it will continue to help me in my career, my personal life, and my church,” she said.
Edwards said some people may need more words in addition to God’s Word if they are dealing with mental health issues.
He said the course was one way to break down the stigma around mental health in the community.
Delores Harris, a member of Friendship Baptist Church, attended the training because she wanted to know how to respond when someone has mental health issues.
“We need this as a community because in our culture we are afraid to ask for help when we need it,” she said.
