Mental Health First Aid

We’ve all heard and know about First Aid - what to do if someone is choking on a small piece of food or having trouble breathing. Or we even have  learned something like CPR - Cardiopulmonary resuscitation  the lifesaving technique.

But, do you know what to do if someone around you is showing signs of depression, or possibly even having a panic attack or suicidal thoughts?

That’s when and what MHFA Mental Health First Aid is for.

Just like First Aid techniques teaches you how to help someone having a critical situation like a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to help someone experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis.
You learn to be aware of, see and risk factors and warning signs for mental illness and addiction concerns, strategies for how to help someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations and where to turn for help.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is more than a vital awareness and education training. It’s also a great option and path for professional development.
In many countries and from different organisation you will find tailored courses that meet the needs of specific people with different qualifications, including Mental Health First Aid for adults, youth, teens, public safety, Fire/EMS, Veterans and at work. Especially at work I think it makes so much sense.

Mental Health First Aid at Work

Mental Health First Aid at Work is a mental health training program that teaches participants how to notice and support an individual who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use concern or crisis in a work environment and connect them with appropriate employee and community resources. Mental Health First Aid at Work is a skills-based, experiential and evidence-based practice.

Studies showed that in the workplace, mental health issues can affect one in every six employees in the USA. In Germany, nine out of ten employees feel stressed at work. Each year 1 in 4 adults will suffer from mental health problems. 

And many companies have and take a special responsibility towards their employees. Therefore, many companies are taking positive action to support staff by training them in mental health first aid. Where employees learn important knowledge and skills to assist people who are developing a mental health problem, experiencing a worsening of an existing mental health problem or are in a mental health crisis, talking, listening to them and helping these people to find appropriate professional help.

Important point to keep in mind

First Aid for physically accidents and occurrences and First Aid in case of psychological and mental situations have something very important in common - speedy response from a first aider will prevent things from getting any worse and provide the necessary care is helpful and important.

And now? And if you like to know and learn more ...

• What exactly is mental health first aid? 
• What is the role of a mental health first aider? 
• How can you become a mental health first aider?

... in Germany visit  Zentralinstitut für Seelische Gesundheit Mannheim

... in USA https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/

... in Australia https://mhfa.com.au/

or google for Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) for your country or region.