Mental Health First Aid Information Presentation - Tom Sussman

Sunday, August 9
11:15 a.m.
Room 212

Whether you know it or not, chances are you know someone with a mental illness. Mental illness is a brain dysfunction that leads to suffering, change in behavior, and reduced function. One in four adults suffer from a mild to a serious mental illness every year, ie: depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, bi-polar, schizophrenia, etc. Sixty per-cent do not seek treatment. Half of lifetime causes of mental illnesses begin by age 14, and three quarters by age 24. In spite of the recent publicity, mentally ill people are more dangerous to themselves than others.

Mental Illness First Aid is an evidenced based training program for anyone who wants to learn the basics of how to identify and help someone developing mental health problems, addictions, and/or experiencing a mental health crisis. It is a free program offered to residents of Downers Grove through the Community Memorial Foundation located in Hinsdale. Come and learn about the goals of the program and how you might benefit from learning how to identify and assist someone suffering from a mental health problem. If there is enough interest we can sponsor a free training program to help us and the community better respond to mental health issues.