
In both USA and Canada, the cost to treat various mental health conditions is staggering. Although first aid is well known for common medical conditions, such as choking or bleeding, first aid for mental disturbances is not well established. In this lecture series, I will introduce the CARE Approach as mental health first aid.
CARE Approach, a mental health first aid, is a practical four-step process that has two prongs: assessment and intervention prongs. Prevention and early intervention are necessary not only to prevent worsening of the mental condition, but also to prevent functional decline.
In this lecture, CARE Approach is explained with emphasis on early intervention. And so the ABCs of first aid, HEAL technique for patients, and HELP Method for caregivers are discussed. How to show empathy and how to listen actively are also explored.
Here, the unique features and highlights of the CARE Approach as discussed in lectures 2 and 3 are explored and summarized for ease of understanding.
The common symptoms of clinical depression, mania or hypomania, psychosis, and panic attacks are discussed.
The common symptoms of phobia, obsessions and compulsions, post-traumatic emotional difficulties, excessive alcohol or drug use, eating disturbance, memory loss, and grief and bereavement are discussed.
In this lecture, physiologic interventions, such as breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation are discussed.
Here, more coping techniques, such as visualization, diversion, socialization, and sleep hygiene, are explored.
Don't you know that USA and Canada have spent billions of dollars to treat various mental health conditions?
Don't you know that 20% of Canadians will experience some form of mental illness in their lifetime?
Don't you know that suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the USA and Canada?
With these facts, first aid for mental health is crucial and necessary. While first aid is widely recognized and used for common physical problems, such as bleeding and choking, it is not well established and commonly used among psychological or mental disturbances.
In this lecture, Dr. Rayel introduces the CARE Approach as the first aid for mental health, and discusses the common mental health syndromes that people suffer from. Moreover, he explores and talks about some of the relaxation and coping strategies to prevent and to deal with beginning or worsening mental problems.
Topics include the following:
1. The CARE Approach as mental health first aid - This practical approach has both assessment and intervention prongs, and follows four basic yet crucial steps in dealing with depression, anxiety, anxiety attacks, and other mental problems.
2. Common Mental Health Syndromes - Depression, Mania or hypomania, panic attacks, anxiety, excessive drug or alcohol problem, phobia, psychosis, obsessions and compulsions, eating disorder, memory loss, grief, and emotional difficulties after a trauma are discussed.
3. Relaxation and Coping Mechanisms - Physiologic interventions discussed here include breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, visualization, diversion, socialization, and sleep hygiene.
If you or someone you know, such as a friend or a relative, suffers from distressful psychological symptoms, this lecture is for you.