Why this is important: Housing staff should have an understanding of some to the most common metal illnesses experiences by their residents, including depression. Depression can lead to difficulty working, interacting with others, managing finances, and in extreme cases, suicide. Having housing staff aware of depression symptoms will allow them to support and care for residents, offer referrals to services, serve as legal risk mitigation, and maybe even save a life.
 
Description: This micro-learning course offers research-based, practical advice for housing staff on how to interact with, support and refer residents with depressive symptoms to get the help they need. The instructor will help the learner identity common signs and symptoms of depression, how to offer support, and when to refer residents for additional services. Learners will gain a deeper understanding of depression, correct common misconceptions regarding depression and better understand the dos and don’ts of helping someone with depression. An important aspect of the course is learning the limits of what you can do you help and the benefits of working with a multidisciplinary behavioral intervention team, community mental health group, and other resources.
 
Housing staff will be able to:
Identify common signs and symptoms of depression
Facilitate a referral to emergency services regarding suicidal behavioral
Explore how to better communicate effectively with residents experiencing depression
Refer the resident experiencing depression to support services including a multidisciplinary CARE team
Avoid common missteps when working with residents with depression