Students at Nicolet College's AODA and Criminal Justice programs held a joint training session this week learning about how to work with a person having a personal crisis.
Tekia Longstreet is Nicolet College Alcohol and Drug Abuse Coordinator and AODA instructor.
She says the two programs held the mock drills as students in both programs at some point in their careers may have to deal with a person in crisis...
"....meaning they have suicidal ideations, homicidal ideations.What I found working in the field is sometimes it's scary. Having our students work together was not only able to build potential long-lasting relationships between the two disciplines but also prepare them for future issues so they're more able to handle crisis scenerios...."
Longstreet says people in both professions need to understand where the person in crisis is coming from....
"....it's really about learning interpersonal skills and dealing with people as people. Maybe not be so fearful of what the person is saying, maybe what their plans are doing, and understanding that where this person is in this moment is a sick place and maybe trying to get all the support, be in family, voluntary commitment, involuntary commitment. Help them get the support so they stay grounded and future orientated...."
Longstreet says the effort also reinforces the idea that we need to treat people as we want to be treated. She says if you're concerned about someone, ask them if you can be supportive. She says it's important to not let our busy lives interfere with being concerned about people at a healthy level.
