SMILE ADVOCATE SESSIONS

S.M.I.L.E. ADVOCATE TRAINING PROGRAM The S.M.I.L.E. (Supporting, Mentoring, Inspiring Life in Everyone) Advocate Program equips educators, bus drivers, local businesses, and middle and high school students with the skills to prevent and respond to mental health crises, while earning continuing education credits. It fosters supportive networks, reduces stigma, and promotes help-seeking behavior, empowering participants to become advocates for mental health in their communities and build stronger, healthier environments. 

Key Components

• Understanding Mental Health: The program offers an overview of common mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Participants will learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of these conditions and understand the importance of seeking help to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.
• Risk Factors & Protective Factors: Participants will explore risk factors that can contribute to suicidal thoughts and behaviors, including mental illness, substance abuse, trauma, and social isolation. The program also highlights protective factors, such as strong social support, effective coping skills, and access to mental health care, which can help reduce the risk of suicide.
• Recognizing Warning Signs: Participants will learn to identify suicide warning signs in themselves and others, such as changes in behavior, mood, or speech, expressions of hopelessness, social withdrawal, and giving away possessions. The program emphasizes that any mention or indication of suicidal thoughts should be taken seriously, with immediate action to seek help.
• Effective Communication: Participants will receive training in communication skills to help them engage in open, supportive conversations about mental health and suicide. They will learn to listen with empathy, express concerns, and offer nonjudgmental support. 
• Crisis Intervention and Response: Participants will be trained in crisis intervention techniques and learn how to effectively respond to individuals facing a mental health crisis or expressing suicidal thoughts. 
• Assessing Resources: The program provides information on available resources and support services for mental health and suicide prevention, including hotlines, counseling services, support groups, and online resources. 
• Self-Care Coping Strategies: Participants will discover self-care practices and coping strategies to enhance mental well-being and resilience, including stress management techniques, relaxation exercises, mindfulness practices, and healthy lifestyle habits. 
• Promoting Help-Seeking Behavior: The program seeks to eliminate barriers to help-seeking by increasing awareness of available mental health services, reducing the stigma associated with mental illness, and empowering individuals to seek assistance when necessary.