What does MBFM mean in UNCLASSIFIED

MBFM stands for Mental Health First Aid, which is an evidence-based public training program designed to help people identify when someone close them may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge and provide initial help through assessment and support.

Mental Health First Aid is important because it equips individuals with the skills they need to better recognize when someone close to them may be developing a mental health problem, intervene appropriately, and make referrals when necessary. Additionally, by providing education on how to better understand mental health challenges, this program works to reduce stigma attached to these issues.

Anyone interested in learning more about how to recognize and intervene when someone close to them may be struggling mentally can benefit from taking the MHFA course. It can also be taken by healthcare professionals such as doctors or counselors who wish to increase their understanding of mental illness and gain additional skills in recognizing its symptoms.

The MHFA Course covers topics ranging from depression and anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, bipolar disorder, trauma-related conditions, eating disorders, self-harm behaviors and suicide prevention among many others. Additionally, participants learn about recovery strategies that work for different types of people experiencing psychological distress including cognitive behavioral therapies (CBT) as well as family therapy interventions among others.

You can find out more information about Mental Health First Aid courses by visiting their website at www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org which has helpful resources such as an instructor's manual with lesson plans as well as online tools with helpful information about various mental health conditions. You can also contact your local government or university if you would like information on where you can obtain certified first aid training near you.