Mental Health First Aid: Your Guide to Mental Health Training
🤔 So like CPR...for the mind?
What is Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)?
You’re likely familiar with the concept of First Aid - think CPR, learning how to respond in the case of a physical crisis, training torso dummies, etc.
But perhaps you’ve not heard of Mental Health First Aid, a groundbreaking skills-based training that provides people with the tools to identify, understand and respond to a mental health or substance use crisis and to connect people with appropriate support and resources when necessary.
With origins in Australia, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is gaining international acclaim, particularly as anxiety, depression, substance use and other conditions continue to increase. It’s more important than ever that we build awareness of these signs and symptoms and equip people with the knowledge and resources to take action in time of need.
MHFA: So it’s like CPR but for your … mind?
Well, yeah, kinda! Once trained, MHFA grads are able to detect (but not diagnose) the symptoms of a variety of mental health conditions and hold important - and often critical - conversations with those at risk. The goal is to help them access resources to lead them out of crisis mode.
Why mental health first aid matters
Unlike physical conditions, symptoms of mental health and substance use problems can be difficult to detect. Friends and family members may find it hard to know when and how to step in. As a result, those in need of mental health services often do not receive care when they need it. Just as CPR equips those without clinical training to assist an individual having a heart attack, mental health first aid prepares participants to interact with a person experiencing a mental health crisis.
The Growing Movement: Millions Certified as Mental Health First Aiders
Mental Health First Aid has become a full-blown movement in the United States with more than 2.8 million people certified as Mental Health First Aiders. These First Aiders include teachers, paramedics, HR and people managers, police officers and more, all hoping to help in a time of need.
Mental Health First Aid in the Workplace
In particular, it’s important to note that when it comes to mental health in the workplace, First Aiders can sit entirely outside of HR or people management. They can act as the first point of contact for employees to talk to when experiencing a mental health challenge (think: extreme stress, burnout, conflict). The role of the First Aider is to listen, respond, and point the employee to appropriate resources such as a wellness service, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or a healthcare provider.
The Role of Mental Health First Aiders
It’s important to remember that Mental health First Aiders are not therapists, psychiatrists, or counselors. They can, however, offer initial support through increasing awareness of mental health, developing skills in response to people in distress, and providing access to active listening and guidance.
Mental Health First Aid Certifications and more:
Certifications are available for both Adult Mental Health First Aid and Youth Mental Health First Aid
With $20M in government funding, many of the certification trainings are free. Find one in your community here.
Here’s team is certified in Adult Mental Health First Aid instruction. If you’re interested in bringing this programming to your team, drop us a line.
And before you go:
There is still so much to learn and understand about social media and teen mental health, but psychologist Jean Twenge has seen enough to raise the alarm bells.
PA State House bills seek to increase mental health workers’ numbers with tuition forgiveness and bonuses.
The World Economic Forum wants to remind you that music, one of humanity’s most treasured gifts, can improve both physical and emotional well-being.
Lastly, don’t forget, May is Mental Health Awareness Month! Keep an eye out for more from our team as we continue to shine a light on all the incredible progress in mental health.