Maryland will begin training people to recognize the difference between a heart attack and a panic attack ? along with signs of other mental illnesses.
The training flows from the belief that anybody can be trained to help those suffering mental illness.
The state becomes the nation?s first to rely on Mental Health First Aid, a program developed by the University of Melbourne in Australia.
“Anybody could be trained to recognize the signs of a mental illness and what to do about it,” said Daryl Plevy, project director for Maryland?s Mental Health Transformation Office, which runs the program.
In addition to improving care of vulnerable people, the Australian program demonstrated that improved recognition of mental disorders also reduces negative reactions from those trying to help, the state Department of Health and Mental Hygiene says.
“Many of us have basic first aid skills but do not know how to help someone who is experiencing a problem with their mental health,” said JohnM. Colmers, the department?s secretary. “With the appropriate training, the general public can spot important warning signs of individuals needing acute mental health treatment, stabilize the situation and direct people to the professional help they need.”
Betty Kitchener and professor Tony Jorm of the University of Melbourne will instruct Maryland mental health officials and members of affiliated organizations in the first session Monday. A second session may be offered as early as May, Plevy said.
After the four-day course, Maryland?s first trainees will be certified to train others in recognizing and assisting patients in distress because of mental illness.
The health department will partner with the University of Maryland, local agencies and mental health advocacy groups.
