The Mental Health Commission of Lyons Township partners with NAMI Metro Suburban to teach mental health first aid to our community.

Mental Health First Aid is a course that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis.

Mental Health First Aid teaches about recovery and resiliency – the belief that individuals experiencing these challenges can and do get better and use their strengths to stay well.

Adult Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) courses teach adult learners how to assist fellow adults, while Youth MHFA courses teach adult learners how to assist adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18.

Topics include:

• Depression and mood disorders
• Anxiety disorders
• Trauma
• Psychosis
• Substance Use disorders

These courses are available completely in-person through an instructor-led training, partially in-person (called Blended In-person) or completely virtually (called Blended Virtual).

If you are interested in becoming Mental Health First Aid certified, please look at our Calendar of Events for upcoming trainings. If you are interested in hosting a training, please contact our office at 708-352-2992.