Mental Health Mentor 8-Class Training Curriculum

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Contact Us if you are interested in becoming a Mental Health Mentor

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Before starting this training, participants must complete the following perquisite courses: Advocacy, Mental Health 101, and Mental Health Crisis Response.

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This 8-class training curriculum is designed to equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and tools they need to effectively support individuals struggling with mental health challenges. Whether you're mentoring within a community, workplace, or healthcare setting, this training program will prepare you to provide compassionate and informed guidance.

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This curriculum equips individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to be effective, compassionate, and knowledgeable mental health mentors. By the end of the program, mentors will be ready to guide others through mental health challenges, offering support and empowering them to take control of their mental well-being.

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This training ensures that Strong Minds, Strong Communities is fostering a network of informed, empathetic mentors who can help create a more supportive, mental health-conscious society.

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Class 1: Introduction to Mental Health and Mentoring

Objective: Understand the fundamentals of mental health, the importance of mentorship, and the role of a mental health mentor.

• Key Topics:

  • Overview of mental health: What is mental health and why it matters.

  • The role and importance of mental health mentors in the community.

  • Key characteristics and responsibilities of an effective mentor.

  • Stigma surrounding mental health: how to break it.

  • Ethical considerations in mental health mentoring.

Outcome: By the end of this class, mentors will understand the significance of mental health and the role they play in supporting others. They will also recognize the importance of empathy, boundaries, and confidentiality in mentoring relationships.

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Class 2: Mental Health Challenges and Conditions

Objective: Learn about common mental health conditions and how to identify them.

• Key Topics:

  • Overview of common mental health disorders (anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, etc.).

  • Signs and symptoms of mental health conditions.

  • Risk factors and triggers for mental health challenges.

  • Understanding the difference between mental health issues and mental illnesses.

  • How to approach someone struggling with mental health.

Outcome: Mentors will be equipped to recognize common mental health conditions and understand the impact they have on individuals. They will also learn how to address these issues with compassion and care.

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Class 3: Building a Trusting Mentor-Mentee Relationship

Objective: Learn strategies to build and maintain a strong, supportive, and effective mentoring relationship.

• Key Topics:

  • Establishing trust and rapport with your mentee.

  • Effective communication skills for mentoring.

  • Active listening techniques and the importance of validation.

  • Setting healthy boundaries and managing expectations.

  • Navigating challenges in the mentor-mentee relationship.

Outcome: Mentors will develop the skills necessary to build a positive, trusting, and supportive relationship with their mentees, ensuring the mentorship process is productive and beneficial.

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Class 4: Emotional Support and Active Listening Techniques

Objective: Develop advanced emotional support skills and techniques for active listening.

• Key Topics:

  • The power of active listening and empathetic responses.

  • Techniques for creating a safe space for open communication.

  • Understanding and validating emotions.

  • How to offer emotional support without offering “solutions” or advice.

  • The role of non-verbal communication in supporting mental health.

Outcome: Mentors will improve their listening skills and learn to offer emotional support that helps their mentees feel heard, validated, and understood.

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Class 5: Coping Strategies and Self-Care Practices

Objective: Teach mentors how to support their mentees in developing healthy coping strategies and self-care practices.

• Key Topics:

  • Overview of common coping strategies (mindfulness, breathing exercises, journaling, physical activity, etc.).

  • Supporting mentees in developing a personalized coping plan.

  • How to encourage self-care without overwhelming the mentee.

  • The importance of self-care for both the mentor and the mentee.

  • How to introduce and normalize self-care practices.

Outcome: Mentors will be able to guide mentees in finding effective coping strategies and self-care practices that are tailored to their needs and preferences.

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Class 6: Crisis Intervention and Knowing When to Seek Professional Help

Objective: Learn how to intervene during a crisis and how to refer a mentee to appropriate mental health professionals.

• Key Topics:

  • Recognizing signs of a mental health crisis (suicidal thoughts, panic attacks, severe anxiety, etc.).

  • How to stay calm and supportive during a crisis.

  • When and how to refer your mentee to a mental health professional or emergency services.

  • Understanding the importance of immediate action in crisis situations.

  • Creating a crisis management plan.

Outcome: Mentors will learn how to recognize crises and handle them in a way that ensures the safety and well-being of the mentee. They will understand when to escalate a situation and refer for professional support.

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Class 7: Encouraging Progress and Setting Goals

Objective: Develop skills to help mentees set realistic mental health goals and track their progress.

• Key Topics:

  • The importance of setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals for mental health.

  • How to encourage a growth mindset in your mentee.

  • Tracking and celebrating small wins and progress.

  • Managing setbacks and teaching resilience.

  • Adjusting goals as needed while maintaining positive momentum.

Outcome: Mentors will be able to help mentees create meaningful mental health goals and support them through the process of tracking and achieving these goals, while maintaining motivation and resilience.

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Class 8: Self-Reflection and Ongoing Development

Objective: Understand the importance of self-reflection for both mentors and mentees, and how to continue growing in the mentorship role.

• Key Topics:

  • The importance of self-reflection in improving your mentoring approach.

  • How to assess your own emotional well-being and avoid burnout.

  • Developing a plan for ongoing mentorship and support.

  • Seeking feedback from your mentee to improve the relationship.

  • Continuing education and training on mental health.

Outcome: Mentors will develop a habit of self-reflection, ensuring they maintain a healthy approach to mentoring while avoiding burnout. They will also recognize the importance of lifelong learning in the mental health space.

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Final Certification and Mentorship Evaluation

After completing the training program, each participant will:

• Receive a Certificate of Completion from Strong Minds, Strong Communities, acknowledging their preparedness to be a Mental Health Mentor.

• Be Evaluated on their understanding of the curriculum and their ability to apply learned skills in real-life mentoring situations.

• Participate in a mentorship simulation where they practice handling typical mentor-mentee situations to ensure they are prepared for real-world application.