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Guest Commentary

Brianna Hauser
Brianna Hauser
December 13, 2023

Paying It Forward This Holiday Season With Mental Health First…

Becoming a Mental Health First Aider was a turning point in Brianna Hauser’s life. Her experiences as a survivor of…

Guest Commentary, Mental Health First Aid, News, PTSD
five smiling women stand together arm in arm
five smiling women stand together arm in arm
October 30, 2023

What Not to Say to Someone with Breast Cancer

The American Cancer Society uses the term “survivor” to refer to anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer, no matter…

Be The Difference, Guest Commentary, Health Care, Mental Health First Aid, News, The "Awkward" Conversation...
two young women walk outside on a path and talk
two young women walk outside on a path and talk
May 17, 2023

Bringing Mental Health Awareness to Teens in Rural Communities

I always thought I knew the best way to have a conversation with people. I have three kids, so I…

Guest Commentary, Mental Health Awareness Month, Mental Health First Aid, News, Teen Mental Health, Youth Mental Health
three smiling people look at a presenter
three smiling people look at a presenter
May 12, 2023

Take Your Own Advice: A MHFA National Trainer’s Lived Experience

I started my mental health journey when I was hired at a Centerstone of Illinois clinic as a residential support…

Guest Commentary, Mental Health Awareness Month, Mental Health First Aid, News
teacher works with students in a classroom
teacher works with students in a classroom
May 1, 2023

The Key to Helping Students: Listen with an Open Heart

I work at an alternative school for middle and high school students. To say my training in Youth Mental Health…

Be The Difference, Guest Commentary, Mental Health Awareness Month, Mental Health First Aid, News
closeup of American flag patch on army fatigues
closeup of American flag patch on army fatigues
November 9, 2022

Giving Reassurance to Veterans on Veterans Day

This Veterans Day, it is important to remember that not every service member experiences Veterans Day in the same way.…

Guest Commentary, Mental Health First Aid, News, Veterans
smiling older adult and her smiling caregiver walk down a hall together
smiling older adult and her smiling caregiver walk down a hall together
November 2, 2022

Support Caregivers with Mental Health First Aid

November can be a time for s’mores, warm hoodies and crisp air. For me, it’s also a time to reflect,…

Guest Commentary, Mental Health First Aid, News, Older Adults, Self-Care
closeup of a line of police officers
closeup of a line of police officers
October 28, 2022

Mental Health First Aid in Action: The Importance of the…

What we say and do in response to the signs and symptoms of a mental health or substance use challenge…

Be The Difference, Guest Commentary, Mental Health First Aid, News, Public Safety
boys basketball team texting from the bench
boys basketball team texting from the bench
October 18, 2022

What Student Athletes (and Their Coaches) Need to Know About…

In my sophomore year of high school, I took the teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) course as part of…

Be The Difference, Guest Commentary, Mental Health First Aid, Sports, Teen Mental Health, Youth Mental Health
man and woman hugging warmly
man and woman hugging warmly
October 10, 2022

Compassion and Mental Health First Aid

With World Mental Health Day on Oct. 10, it’s more than fitting to ponder how compassion shows up in the…

Be The Difference, Guest Commentary, Mental Health First Aid, World Mental Health Day
woman walks a fluffy white dog through an orchard of cherry blossoms
woman walks a fluffy white dog through an orchard of cherry blossoms
October 3, 2022

Living My Values

As a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) trainer who is on the road and in virtual training spaces regularly, I…

Be The Difference, Guest Commentary, Mental Health First Aid, Self-Care
circle of people holding hands raised in the air
circle of people holding hands raised in the air
September 26, 2022

Supporting a Loved One During National Recovery Month with Mental…

September marks National Recovery Month, an annual observance to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the emergence…

Be The Difference, Guest Commentary, Mental Health First Aid, recovery, Substance Use