UW Bothell Student and U.S. Navy Veteran Serina Sanchez’s journey to Mental Health First Aid certification.
By Serina Sanchez, Yawen Ye, Xiaowei Sun, Ronan Smith, Savan Sohal, and Arya Tannan, University of Washington Bothell School of Business
Content Warning:
This post contains discussions of suicide, veteran suicide, and alcoholism.
When our classmate Serina Sanchez appeared on the screen– her calm presence immediately grounded the virtual space. A University of Washington Bothell (UWB) student, veteran, and proud Latina, Serina sat in a brightly lit room wearing a white Miami Dolphins’s sweatshirt that popped against the backdrop. Her dark brown hair, parted neatly down the middle, rested gently on her shoulders as she spoke. When asked about her experience becoming certified in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) for adults through NAMI Eastside to increase access to justice for local veterans, Serina responded with composure, her tone measured, yet warm. MHFA is an evidence-based training that teaches everyday people how to recognize early signs of mental health or substance-use challenges, respond with care, and connect someone to appropriate support. It focuses on early awareness, non-judgmental listening, and practical tools that help communities care for one another. Through MHFA, moments that might have seemed like ordinary fluctuations are recognized as early signs that someone may be struggling beneath the surface.
She emphasized her thoughts with subtle hand gestures, each movement mirroring the words that followed. Through her calm presence and thoughtful words, Serina revealed a blend of disciplined resilience shaped by her military service and deep compassion for the veteran community. She offered thoughtful reflections that highlighted the importance of mental health awareness and the path she is forging as both a student and an advocate for her military veteran peers.
What was the most important thing you believe you learned while doing mental health first aid?
SS: Mmm, that’s tough.
I think the biggest thing I learned is that everyone has their own path when it comes to mental health and how they want to go about it. Recovery looks different for every person, but it is very achievable and attainable.
I also learned that there are so, so many different types of resources– not just therapy options, but community-based and activity-based options too. For instance, if someone wants a traditional therapy session, that’s available. But if they feel more comfortable going on a hike or just being around people in a more relaxed setting, that’s an option as well.
So for me, really understanding how many different resources exist for all kinds of people makes it easier to say, hey, I actually do know somewhere you can go, or this might actually help find your fit.
What are some stigmas around mental health?
SS: One of the biggest misconceptions is the belief that asking someone, “Are you thinking about suicide?” will somehow trigger them to act on it [suicide]. In reality, as we learned in class, that isn’t true. If someone is having those thoughts, the question doesn’t create them– it simply acknowledges what already exists. And if they aren’t, the question still isn’t harmful; instead, it creates an opportunity for honest reflection.
Another common stigma is the idea that seeking help for mental health is a sign of weakness. The more we normalize honest conversations about how we’re really doing, the more we can break this misconception. Open dialogue not only reduces shame and embarrassment, but also encourages people to reach out before they’re in crisis.
What are some mental health gaps in the military?
SS: One of the biggest gaps in the military is that [often], mental health isn’t taken seriously until someone is in crisis. [Sometimes] practically have to tell the doctor, “I’m thinking about [dying by] suicide.” before any action is taken. And with one doctor responsible for about four hundred service members– many of whom are struggling in some way– it’s just not realistic. Only the most severe cases get attention, and that leaves a lot of people unsupported.
How can mental health first aid shift campus culture toward being more supportive and understanding if more people took it?
SS: For one, I think having [NAMI on Campus] is a great idea– mainly because of accessibility. A lot of students hear there’s a drive involved and immediately think, “nevermind.”
But I also think that a big part of this is that people our age [young adults], don’t really understand how hard or awkward it is to actually ask someone, “Are you considering suicide? Are you thinking about suicide?” Saying those words out loud feels unpleasant, and that fear is one of the biggest barriers.
We did this exercise in class [NAMI Eastside MHFA adult training] where we practiced asking our partner that exact question […]. But practicing it helps break the stigma. And once you get past the fear, you start noticing more: when a classmate is suddenly absent, when hygiene changes, or when something just feels off.
If more of us had MHFA training, we’d feel more confident saying, “Hey, are you okay? I know I’m a stranger, but I noticed you seem a little off today.” If we could do that for each other, even just that, it could make a huge impact on campus and in our classmates’ lives.
Can you give an example of hygiene issues that might have been an early sign or symptom, and how you would have handled it then versus how you would handle it now, having had the training?
SS: I’m not proud of it, but back then [on active duty military service], I approached hygiene issues the same way a lot of people in the military did. If a friend showed up without a haircut or with a beard that was too grown out– even having a five-o’clock shadow at eight in the morning– I’d frame it as a joke or discipline issue. I might say, “Hey, your hygiene isn’t great today,” or point out that they didn’t look as sharp as usual.
Now, with the training I’ve had, I see it differently. Instead of focusing on the haircut, I’d check in on them as a person. I’d probably ask, “Hey, is everything okay?” because those changes can very much be early signs that someone is struggling.
What does the ALGEE action plan stand for?
SS: A – Assess for risk of suicide or harm
L – Listen nonjudgmentally
G – Give reassurance and information
E – Encourage appropriate professional help
E – Encourage self-help and other support strategies
These steps guide you through supporting someone without diagnosing or giving advice. It’s about grounding the conversation in care, safety, and appropriate resources.
In what ways do you see yourself using the ALGEE model to support your fellow veterans, both on campus and beyond?
SS: In the military, one of the hardest but most important things I learned was asking the tough questions and really peeling back the layers with people. A lot of service members carry this tough exterior and the stigma that struggling means weakness. I always tried to remind them that the real strength is being honest when you’re not okay.
Now that I understand the ALGEE model, and with the support of veterans from different branches and backgrounds around me, I feel much more equipped to help. My goal is to actively check in on my classmates, approach them when something feels off (even if we aren’t close), and then use the rest of the ALGEE steps to guide the conversation. I want to help create a culture where seeking help is normal, encouraged, and never seen as weakness.
How would you apply the ALGEE model in a hypothetical situation, such as noticing a classmate who isn’t dressing as polished as usual or looks unusually tired?
SS: If I noticed a classmate appearing less put-together than usual, looking exhausted, or showing subtle changes in behavior, I would apply the ALGEE action plan step-by-step, understanding that the process isn’t always linear:
A – Assess for risk of suicide or harm:
I’d start by quietly observing and checking for any immediate safety concerns. If I know someone who’s close to them, I might discreetly ask if they’ve noticed any changes too, just to understand whether something deeper might be going on.
L – Listen nonjudgmentally:
When approaching them, I’d keep it gentle and genuine. I might say, “Hey, I’ve noticed you seem a little off lately. How are you doing?” From there, I’d focus on listening fully — paying attention to my tone, body language, and the space I’m creating so they feel safe, not judged.
G – Give reassurance and information:
Whatever they share, I’d validate their feelings and remind them they’re not alone. I’d reassure them that reaching out for support is a sign of strength and that what they’re experiencing is real and understandable.
E – Encourage appropriate professional help:
Since I’m not a clinician, I’d let them know I can’t diagnose anything, but I can point them toward campus counseling services or other professional resources that could support what they’re experiencing.
E – Encourage self-help and support strategies:
Lastly, I’d suggest practical tools that work for many students, such as grounding exercises, physical activity, or connecting with supportive communities or friends. I’d also make sure to follow up later, checking in to show continued care and remind them they’re not alone.
Throughout the conversation, it became clear that Serina’s journey is not only about completing a training—it is about reshaping how she understands and responds to the people around her. Her shift from viewing hygiene or behavioral changes as “discipline issues” to recognizing them as early signs of deeper struggles reflects the exact cultural transformation that Mental Health First Aid aims to spark.
Serina’s experience with the Navy and MHFA is a reminder that support begins with awareness. It also shows us that building a supportive community begins long before a crisis. It starts with noticing small changes, asking difficult questions, and choosing compassion over hesitation. If more of us learned these skills, our campus could become a space where help-seeking feels normal, and where no one has to navigate their struggles alone.
Serina hopes if there’s one thing people take away from her experience, it’s that you don’t have to be an expert to make a real difference. You just have to be willing to learn, to show up, and to care.
After hearing Serina’s story, it became clear that while the military emphasizes strength and resilience, it can fall short in providing the mental health support its members desperately need. This is one of the big gaps in care that prevents many service members from being seen, heard, or treated properly. Combined with this gap in care, there is also the stigma of mental health being seen as a weakness. As Serina put it, “The biggest strength you can have is acknowledging when you’re not ok.” This message applies far beyond the military. Strength comes from vulnerability. The need for open conversations and accessible mental health resources extends to all communities like school or the workplace. Lasting change begins when we create environments that encourage help-seeking without judgement. Her journey highlights that building stronger, more supportive communities starts with acknowledging mental health as a core part of overall well-being.
Having observed how limited resources and stigma affected both herself and those around her, Serina was motivated to seek out tools that would allow her to support others more effectively. The challenges and structure of her military experience showed how deeply service can impact a person. Through getting certified in MHFA, Serina states that she feels more empowered to reach out to fellow veterans who have gone through mental health challenges. At the heart of her message is the belief that no veteran should feel alone or ashamed when seeking help, and that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Her decision to pursue MHFA illustrated that awareness isn’t just about being able to recognize when someone is struggling, it’s about listening without judgement and proactively finding or providing the help a person needs. MHFA strengthens this even further by teaching the ALGEE action plan.
You can take action today by signing up for free Mental Health First Aid training through Valley Cities Behavioral Healthcare. Valley Cities offers both in-person and online classes for King County residents. Visit their websites to see upcoming sessions and register for a date that fits your schedule. By taking this step, you can make a difference for those around you!
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or substance use, please reach out to trained professionals for support. In the U.S., you can contact:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
- Crisis Text：741741 HEAL
- Veterans Crisis Line: 988 (Press 1) or text 838255
This interview has been condensed for content and clarity.