30 JULY AUGUST 2024 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL As an MHFAider, you are taught to observe the signs, symptoms, and behavioral changes caused by mental health disorders and to act as a support. While moving and beginning new life chapters is always novel and exciting, it can and does take a toll, and often those who pay the highest prices for the Foreign Service lifestyle are our children and trailing family members. For families, the transition involves more than just adapting to a new culture and environment; it also encompasses managing the emotional and mental well-being of each family member. Being able to recognize and address mental health concerns, particularly in teens and tweens, is a crucial aspect of ensuring a smooth and healthy adjustment to your new life abroad or back to the United States if you are returning home after some time overseas. What Is Mental Health First Aid? According to the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) International website, MHFA is an evidence-based, early-intervention course that teaches participants about mental health and substance use challenges in adolescents. It originated in Australia in 2001, when Betty Kitchener, a nurse specializing in health education, and Anthony Jorm, a mental health literacy professor, established Mental Health First Aid Australia, a national nonprofit charity focused on health promotion training and research. Later, Mental Health First Aid USA adapted the program and launched MHFA programs across the United States that have trained more than 15,000 MHFA trainers and some 3 million volunteers, including former First Lady Michelle Obama. But what is MHFA exactly? The MHFA USA site explains: “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.” What it means to me as a parent of adolescents and why I proactively chose to become an “MHFAider” is that I wanted to develop the tools and resources to support and identify potential mental health challenges that my own children and their peers might face. Just as many parents go through standard first aid training, learning CPR, and what to do if someone chokes or is burned, it is equally important to develop the knowledge and skills to assist others when their injuries and challenges may not be visible in the same ways as a physical injury. Many people may feel put off by the notion of becoming an MHFAider because, not being licensed mental health practitioners or clinically trained psychologists, they do not feel comfortable diagnosing mental health challenges and feel ill equipped or unable to assist. This is where the beauty of MHFA lies—there is no expectation that an MHFA volunteer is or acts like a licensed or clinically trained professional. As an MHFAider, you are taught to observe the signs, symptoms, and behavioral changes caused by mental health disorders and to act as a support to someone facing a mental health challenge(s). In addition, you act as a connector, putting someone struggling with a mental health challenge in direct contact with trained professionals. As an MHFAider, you are not expected to diagnose, treat, or prescribe; your role is rather to be observant, supportive, and proactive. Concerning Signs Understanding mental health is the first step toward helping someone in need. Mental Health First Aid courses are available worldwide and are designed to teach people how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. These courses provide the skills needed to offer initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health problem and help connect them to the appropriate care. Teens and tweens are at a particularly sensitive stage of life, even without the added stress of a major international move. The upheaval associated with relocating can exacerbate or trigger mental health issues. Here are some of the symptoms to watch for. Changes in behavior. Look out for significant changes in sleeping patterns, eating habits, or a decline in academic performance. Withdrawal. An increased desire to be alone or a lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities can be warning signs. Mood swings. While some moodiness can be typical in teenagers, severe or rapid mood swings may indicate underlying mental health concerns.
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