Would you like to better understand mental health and mental health challenges in order to provide compassionate and meaningful library resources and services? Approximately 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experience mental health challenges in a given year, so it is highly likely that individuals with mental health challenges are visiting and working at every public library each day.
Did you know that…:
- The World Health Organization estimates that by the year 2020, depression — the most common mental health problem — will be the world’s second leading cause of disability, trailing behind ischemic heart disease.
- Mental health disorders are even more prevalent among teens and the homeless. An estimated 70 percent of youth in the juvenile justice system have at least one mental health disorder. Over half of students 14 years and older with a mental disorder will drop out of high school.
- Of the homeless population, 26 percent face chronic mental illness and 35 percent have chronic substance abuse issues.
- About 1 in 20 veterans experiences serious mental illness. Of those, 3 out of 4 will receive inadequate or no treatment at all.
The California State Library, through its Mental Health Initiative, is providing a variety of opportunities (including this tutorial) to help libraries better understand and assist these populations.
Mental health is a topic that is relevant for everyone and we need to be openly discussing and working to increase our understanding of mental health. After completing this course, you will have a better understanding of mental health and mental health challenges. This understanding will increase your confidence, your ability to address safety concerns, and your compassion and empathy, while ensuring a positive experience for all in the library. You will learn to better understand mental health challenges and will receive tips and practical advice regarding your interactions, including ways to de-escalate potentially challenging situations. You will learn how library policies and behavior guidelines can be used to effectively balance the needs of all patrons. You will also realize the importance of connecting with other organizations in your area to work together to provide support and services.
At the completion of this tutorial you will be able to…
- Use respectful person-first language regarding mental health
- Understand signs of various mental health challenges
- Interact effectively and with empathy with individuals who may have a mental health challenge
- Identify the barriers to treatment faced by many Americans with mental health challenges
- List ways library staff can be informed, proactive, compassionate and kind in serving the needs of those with mental health challenges
- De-escalate potentially stressful situations
- Identify the role of library behavior policies and guidelines in handling challenges
- Describe the importance of connecting with relevant mental health organizations and resources in your community
This tutorial is based on content developed by Josh Berk for the Infopeople online course, “Mental Health Challenges: An Introduction for Library Staff,” presented in Spring 2019 as part of the California State Library’s Mental Health Initiative and also on content from a series of face-to-face workshops delivered by Elissa Hardy (and others) at various locations in California in 2019.
