THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | JULY AUGUST 2024 31 Feelings of hopelessness. Pay attention if your child frequently expresses feelings of worthlessness or talks about self-harm. The Benefits of MHFA For Foreign Service families, becoming a Mental Health First Aider is not just beneficial—it’s essential. Here’s why. Early intervention. Early identification and intervention can make a significant difference in recovery outcomes. Being a Mental Health First Aider equips you with the knowledge to recognize early signs of mental health issues. Reducing stigma. By educating yourself and your family on mental health, you contribute to breaking down the stigma associated with mental illness. This creates an environment where seeking help and talking about mental health are normalized. Crisis management. In a foreign country, finding immediate mental health support can be challenging. Mental Health First Aiders can provide crucial support and guidance during times of crisis until professional assistance is available. Building stronger families. Open discussions about mental health strengthen the family unit, ensuring that every member knows they have support and understanding. It is gratifying to know as an MHFA volunteer that there is a wide variety of support services and resources available through the State Department. Resources at State The Global Community Liaison Office (GCLO) offers on its public-facing website a comprehensive list of resources and services to support employees and their family members while on overseas and domestic assignments. Visit the GCLO List of Federal Agencies’ Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) webpage or contact GCLOAskSupportServices@state.gov. The list includes the WorkLife4You (WL4Y) program, a DoS paid benefit program, that GCLO describes as the
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