Mental Health Ofrenda: Do You Know How to Support Someone in a Mental Health Crisis?

Support for Austin Vida’s mental health coverage is made possible by the Ortiz Therapy Group.

Mis queridos familiares y amistades,

In these heavy times when many communities are facing fear, oppression, grief, and sorrow, I find myself lost in my thoughts and wondering how I can help. Perhaps like me, you are facing yourself in the mirror every day and wondering, “What can I do in the face of so much hurting and injustice?” Is one of your super powers being super sensitive, too? Does your heart feel full of love and grief for your fellow human beings, whether they be immigrants, LGBTQIA+, Black, Palestinian, unhoused, disabled, or poor? Time and again, my heart is broken wide open with more love and tenderness for my neighbors and community members. I come back to the question: What is my part in all of this?

Mental Health First Aid

Life is hard, y’all. Even those of us who are not facing discrimination or persecution face challenges associated with simply being a person. Maybe we lose a child to illness, are in a car accident, lose a job, get divorced, or lose our home to a natural disaster. There are so many unexpected and inevitable challenges we face as human beings.

How often are we taught about the importance of first aid or CPR training – two critical and life saving certifications – without being encouraged to also gain tools that will help us soothe one another’s hearts and spirits? I feel responsible for staying equipped with tools to support and uplift others. That’s why, last November, I renewed my Mental Health First Aid certification to refresh my memory on how to best respond to a loved one or fellow community member who is in crisis or struggling with their mental health.

Integral Care, a local nonprofit that supports adults and children living with mental illness, substance use disorder and intellectual and developmental disabilities in Travis County, hosts several free opportunities a month to gain your Mental Health First Aid certification. Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health challenges, mental health crisis, or substance use challenges. 

The training I attended was in person from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but there are also virtual opportunities for attending the training. At the training, we were given a learning manual and an activity book that went along with it. 

Some key information that we learned in the training was:

• Signs and symptoms of someone facing a mental health challenge
• Information about mental health challenges versus mental health diagnoses like depression, anxiety, trauma, etc.
• A step-by-step action plan called ALGEE, which would remind us of how to help someone who is showing signs of a mental health challenge, illness, or crisis
• Professional resources and tools for self-care 

I love that even those of us who are not counselors or don’t have a degree in psychology can still support one another when faced with a mental health challenge, illness, or crisis. As someone who experiences depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation and has loved ones who also face these challenges, I feel powerful knowing that maybe I can do something when someone is struggling. 

Mi Ofrenda Para Ti

You don’t have to know everything and save everyone. Guess what? That is not your job. All we can do is our part. Nuestro pedacito en este gran mundo. Together, we form a strong web, or network, of support, tenderness, resources, and help for one another. 

With that in mind, I share these thoughts with you:

• No tienes que ser perfecto o saberlo todo para ayudar a alguien. You don’t have to be perfect or know everything to help someone. 
• No hay solo una manera correcta de responder o ayudar a alguien. There is no one right way to respond to or help someone.
• Tú también tienes dones para compartir con el mundo. You also have gifts to share with the world.
• Está bien si te equivocas. Pide perdón e intenta otra vez. It’s okay if you make a mistake. Ask for forgiveness and try again.
• No estas solx, queridx. You are not alone, dear one.

IF YOU GO:

If you are interested in attending the training and becoming Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) certified, register at Integral Care’s Eventbrite page. Upcoming trainings include:

• Youth MHFA (Virtual): Fri., Feb. 28
• Youth MHFA (In Person): Fri., March 14
• Adult MHFA (In Person): Fri., March 28

Gentle note: Sometimes we need a little help. If you or someone you know is considering self-harm, suicide, or is simply having a tough time, consider reaching out to the following numbers. No estas solx.

Si quieres ayuda / if you want help:

• The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988 
• Servicios en español: llama 1-888-628-9454 
• Services for deaf or hard of hearing folks: text 988, chat online, use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988. 
• Crisis Text Line: text “HOME” to 741741

---

A message from our Mental Health sponsor:

At Ortiz Therapy Group, we’re passionate about people sharing their stories and acknowledge the privilege it is when they’re shared with us.
En Ortiz Therapy Group, nos apasiona que las personas compartan sus historias y reconocemos el privilegio que es cuando las comparten con nosotros.

---