Mental Health Awareness ● Sensibilisation à la santé mentale 43 Why is it important? People need other people. It’s common for people to underestimate how much they might benefit from the support of people. Social support can help us cope with setbacks, solve problems, improve self-esteem, and even manage health problems and stress. People who feel like they have the social support they need tend to have lower stress levels. Stress affects the entire body—from mental well-being to heart health to the immune system—so finding a way to manage and reduce stress is incredibly good for us all. The benefits of social support can be felt by those providing the support, too. Social support is even more important when you feel unwell. Yet despite the benefits, people who experience mental health or physical health problems may find themselves pulling away from their support networks. They may feel ashamed or uncomfortable talking about their experiences, fear that others won’t understand, wonder how others could even help, or think that they are burdening others. Unsure of how to help, friends or family may reach out less. Losing those important connections not only means that you have to deal with a lot on your own, it may also validate difficult feelings like feeling unloved or unimportant. One thing is clear: no matter what is going on in your life, there are people who can help. Applied Suicide Intervention SkillsTraining The Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is a training program that teaches people suicide first aid. Participants learn to recognize the signs that someone may be at risk of suicide, and to respond in ways that increase their immediate safety and get them help. ASIST helps people apply suicide first aid in many environments, such as with friends, family, coworkers, and formal helping roles. To find more information on ASIST and how to become trained in suicide first aid, visit their website at www.livingworks.net
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