Mental Health First Aid: What It Is and Why It Matters
We're all familiar with the concept of first aid - it's a critical skill that equips us to respond in incidents like injuries or accidents. We envision CPR, bandages, and saving lives in emergencies. But what about mental health first aid?
Would you know how to recognise the warning signs of mental health struggles or respond effectively in a mental health crisis?
This article unpacks the essence of mental health first aid (MHFA); its practical application and its benefits in our personal lives and workplaces.
What is Mental Health First Aid?
Mental Health First Aid is the assistance provided to someone who is developing a mental health problem, experiencing the worsening of an existing mental health problem, or who is in a mental health crisis. Mental Health First Aid is an extension of the concept of traditional first aid to cover mental health conditions. It is an essential but often overlooked aspect of health and wellbeing that can make a profound impact.
What is Mental Health First Aid Training?
Accredited MHFA Training courses are evidence-based and internationally recognised across 25 countries. These courses teach practical skills to not only recognise the signs and symptoms of a myriad of mental health problems in adults, but also how to initiate an action plan and provide initial support for a range of common problems and crisis situations.
Why does Mental Health First Aid Training matter?
In the same way that traditional first aid training empowers individuals to confidently respond in a physical emergency, mental health first aid training does the same when dealing with mental health problems and crisis.
Both. Save. Lives.
When more adults in our community are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to recognise, understand and respond to a friend, family member, or co-worker experiencing a mental health problem or crisis, we all benefit.
Who is Mental Health First Aid Training for?
Everyone! Especially those who want to be able to confidently help and support the people around them experiencing mental health problems, and those working in workplaces, schools and other community settings.
Mental Health First Aid Training in the Workplace
The impact of mental health problems in the workplace is extensive. Promoting mental health awareness and providing relevant training can help counteract that impact. When employees are educated on mental health conditions and empowered to recognise and respond to a co-worker experiencing mental health problems, stigma is reduced and pathways to support are identified earlier.
The benefits of implementing Mental Health First Aid Training on workplace culture is one of the key topics to be covered in our free webinar this month.
If you’re curious to learn more about understanding Mental Health First Aid and its relevance in the workplace, we encourage you to join our lunch & learn style, 30-minute webinar on March 12th at 12:30pm. It’s free, online, engaging, and a great way to spend your lunchbreak.
BYO lunch!
