WHY WE NEED MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID AND HOW YOU CAN HELP

COVID-19 IS NOT JUST A PHYSICAL ISSUE

Professional help and treatments are available, but nearly two-thirds of people with a known mental disorder never seek help from a health professional (WHO, 2001). Stigma and neglect are some of the reasons that prevent care and treatment from reaching people with mental disorders. By becoming a mental health first aider you can help break the stigma surrounding mental health and offer comfort and support in a crisis until help arrives. In the Mental Health First Aid course, you learn to identify risk factors and warning signs for mental health and addiction concerns, strategies for how to help someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations, and where to turn for help.

No matter what sector we work and live in, the COVID-19 pandemic isn’t just a physical health issue; it’s also a mental health issue. It is having a significant effect on all aspects of society, on employees, on colleagues, on families and on their mental health and wellbeing. Perhaps some are feeling ‘trapped’, anxious or lonely.

 

As a result of lockdown, there is the possibility of increased household tensions, family breakdown, and domestic abuse. Others may be feeling a profound sense of loss: a sense of loss can result from losing direct social contacts, loved ones, employment, educational opportunities, recreation, freedoms, and supports (Cowan, 2020).

It seems that now may be an important time to enrol in a mental health first aid course with the extra pressures and concerns that many are facing in uncertain times.

MHFA training is a short course in mental health. It aims to clear up a lot of common myths about mental illness. Course participants gain a better understanding of different mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, psychosis and challenges related to alcohol and other drugs. Furthermore, participants learn how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. Mental Health First Aid teaches about recovery and resilience – the belief that individuals experiencing these challenges can and do get better and use their strengths to stay well.

A Mental Health First Aider in the workplace is a point of contact for an employee who is experiencing a mental health issue or emotional distress. This interaction could range from having an initial conversation through to supporting the person to get appropriate help. Embedding MHFA training within any organisation or community encourages people to talk more freely about mental health, reduces stigma and creates a more positive culture.  In the United Kingdom, Mental Health First Aid training has taken place in 20,000 workplaces and those organisations have seen reductions of up to 75% in referrals for common mental health issues (MHFA, UK).

Although people living with mental illnesses often need ongoing treatment, during a crisis, having someone with basic mental health skills nearby can make a huge difference. Receiving this training helps to create a safety net for the community and the people around you.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an internationally recognised training course. It is a 14-hour course that is offered both online and face to face. The training includes explanations from an instructor, conversation, activities, videos and role plays. If you finish the training, you’ll also get official MHFA accreditation (and a certificate) – which looks great on a resume!