Integral Care, a mental health and developmental disability authority in Travis County, is now offering free mental health first-aid classes to residents throughout Central Texas. In a recent press release, Integral Care officials said the holidays can be stressful, causing depression or anxiety. The mental health first-aid class gives people the tools they need to help someone who might be showing signs of these types of mental illnesses. Since 2009, Integral Care has offered mental health first-aid training to over 3,500 residents in Austin. Class participants will learn about warning signs and symptoms of mental illness, substance-use disorders and more. Classes are available for free on a weekly basis alternating between Austin, Georgetown and Round Rock through a grant provided by St. David’s Foundation. A partnership with the Bluebonnet Trails Community Services makes it possible to offer classes in Williamson County, the press release said. “We recognize that encountering a mental health crisis leaves many of us wondering how best to respond,” Kim McPherson, senior program officer for St. David’s Foundation said. “St. David’s Foundation is delighted to provide support to Integral Care so that more Central Texans can participate in mental health first-aid classes, gain a better understanding of mental illness, and how to assist those who are affected. I’ve personally taken the class and found it useful in my personal and professional life.” Classes are offered through December throughout Central Texas. To register for a class, visit bit.ly/MHFATexas.