Susan Frauenholtz

Experiences of graduates of the Mental Health First Aid-USA course

Mental health distress is common, yet many people lack mental health literacy and skills to help themselves and others. In this qualitative study, we used semi-structured interviews to ask graduates of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA-USA), a mental health promotion program designed to address such needs, about its impact. Interviewees described gaining knowledge, skills and confidence to help someone in distress, empathy for people with mental illness, and developing a sense of responsibility and permission to try to help when needed. They gave varied examples of using MHFA-USA skills with strangers, acquaintances, coworkers, clients and family members, and to help themselves, in a range of situations. We integrate these results into a tentative change process diagram, and speculate on its effects for people in distress and community norms regarding emotional and psychiatric distress. We then discuss the implications for MHFA-USA outcomes research.

Children’s Mental Health Providers’ Perceptions of Mental Health Literacy Among Parents and Caregivers

Mental health disorders are prevalent among children, yet many do not receive treatment. Parents and caregivers play a vital role in recognizing mental health disorders in children and accessing treatment. But a substantial number of parents lack essential knowledge of children’s mental health disorders, including risk factors, symptom recognition, and treatment options. Little focus has been given to parents in the children’s mental health literacy literature. The purpose of this article is to begin filling that gap by using a survey to describe the perceptions of child and family mental health providers’ perceptions regarding the amount, accuracy, and origin of mental health literacy in the parents of the children they treat. The impact of those perceptions on the work of providers is also explored. Eighty-seven mental health providers completed a survey to assess their perceptions of parent mental health literacy in the area of children’s mental health. Providers perceived parent mental health literacy as low, inaccurate, and inconsistent. In addition, providers indicated that parents rely on informal sources of support, such as friends and family for information about children’s mental health. Implications for social work researchers, practitioners, and the children and families they serve are discussed.