Mental Health First Aid: Student ACES learn how to stop the bleeding when the hurt is emotional

Beyond the catastrophic risks to our physical health, COVID-19 has ignited an unprecedented mental health crisis.  More than half of all Americans report struggling with anxiety, fear and depression triggered in some way by the pandemic. While no one is immune, our youth are among the highest at risk. 

Student ACES is a nonprofit organization that has worked with 40,000 high school athletes across South Florida. We inspire them to achieve a foundation of honor, character and integrity that will positively impact their teams, schools and communities.  We know that for these students to be successful, we must meet them where they are in their lives and acknowledge the barriers they face. Today, that includes a surge in mental health and substance abuse problems. 

Student athletes face unique mental health challenges that have been intensified by the complexities of COVID. An NCAA survey found that the rates of college athletes mental health concerns were 150% to 250% higher than those historically reported.  The competitive nature of sports can foster an environment where some athletes see asking for help as a sign of weakness and believe they should simply tough it out.  Unlike getting hurt on the field, symptoms of mental health and substance use problems can be difficult to detect. This can mean those in need of mental health services might not get the help they need until it is too late.  Painful mental health challenges experienced by young people fester, quickly escalate and threaten lives.  Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among people age 10-24. 

How can we help “stop the bleeding” when the pain and suffering is emotional?  

Thanks to the support of the Merrell Family Foundation, Student ACES partnered with Mental Health First Aid, a national program and, quite possibly, a game-changer. Just as learning CPR can help someone save the life of person following a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid training aims to support an individual suffering with mental health challenges until appropriate professional help arrives.

Student ACES Co-founder and Executive Director Krissy Webb is trained to teach students the Mental Health First Aid action plan, which includes assessing risk, respectfully listening to and supporting the individual in crisis, and identifying appropriate professional help and other support. Students are introduced to the risk factors and warning signs for mental health or substance use problems, engage in exercises that build understanding of the impact of illness on individuals and families, and learn about treatment and self-help strategies.

Students can’t identify a mental health or substance abuse issue in themselves or others if they don’t know what these problems look like. By helping to eliminate the misunderstanding and stigma that prevent students from speaking up and getting support, we are working to reduce the incidence of mental health challenges in our students. 

The new year brings renewed hope. We encourage everyone to practice mental wellness. Take a moment to acknowledge what you are grateful for or go on a walk and observe three things you’ve never noticed before. And, for a real mood boost, help a friend or neighbor who might be in need.

If your school is interested in participating in participating in Mental Health First Aid training or any of Student ACES’ programs, visit www.studentacesforleadership.com.