Sometimes people just need to be heard, especially when they're not quite themselves.
When helping someone going through a psychotic episode, start by introducing yourself and asking for their name. Don't pretend to share in their delusion or raise your voice.
These were just a few of the tips shared by Centerstone program manager Amanda Grella with more than 30 people from over a dozen nonprofit agencies who gathered at City Hall Thursday.
Those in attendance learned about common mental health disorders, such as depression, which affects 17 million Americans, and anxiety disorders, affecting an additional 40 million, as well as post-traumatic stress disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and schizophrenia.
They also learned about substance abuse and addiction, which is now scientifically understood as a brain disease, and not simply a moral failing as had been the view for so long, Centerstone administrative director Greg May said.
The Mental Health 101 session was organized by the city of Bloomington in response to a recommendation from the Safety, Civility and Justice Task Force, according to Beverly Calender-Anderson, director of the city's Community and Family Resources Department.