What is involved in mental health first aid?

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an educational program designed to teach people how to help someone who is experiencing a mental health crisis or developing a mental health problem. It aims to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to offer initial support until professional help is available. Here are the key components typically involved in Mental Health First Aid training:

Delivery

MHFA courses are typically offered in various formats, such as in-person workshops or online training. The aim is to empower individuals to recognise the signs of mental health problems, provide initial help, and guide individuals toward appropriate professional support. It does not make participants mental health professionals but equips them with the skills to offer initial aid and support until professional help can be obtained.

The style of training is group-based, with group interaction and activities. Practical Scenarios such as video examples or role-playing exercises and scenarios are often used to help participants practice their skills in a safe and supportive environment.

Course content

Understanding Mental Health

•   Overview of Mental Health: Participants learn about common mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, psychosis, and eating disorders.

•   Signs and Symptoms: Recognizing the signs and symptoms of various mental health issues is crucial. Participants are taught to identify these signs in themselves and others.

Mental Health Crisis Situations

•   Suicidal Behavior: Understanding the signs of suicidal ideation and learning how to offer support to someone experiencing suicidal thoughts.

•   Panic Attacks: Recognizing the signs of panic attacks and learning techniques to help someone experiencing one.

•   Acute Stress Reaction: How to respond to someone experiencing acute stress, trauma, or overwhelming emotions.

•   Psychosis: Understanding what psychosis is and how to assist someone experiencing symptoms such as hallucinations or delusions.

Providing Support

•   Active Listening Skills: Learning how to listen empathetically without judgment and communicate effectively.

•   Offering Reassurance and Information: Providing information about mental health resources and services available in the community.

•   Encouraging Professional Help: Knowing when and how to encourage someone to seek professional help.

•   Self-Care: Understanding the importance of self-care for both the individual providing support and the person in crisis.

Stigma Reduction

•   Challenging Stereotypes: Discussing the impact of stigma on individuals with mental health disorders and ways to challenge societal stereotypes.

•   Promoting Understanding: Encouraging open conversations about mental health to create a more supportive environment.

 How to Respond

Teaching participants the ALGEE action plan:

•                     Assess for risk of suicide or harm

•                     Listen non-judgmentally

•                     Give reassurance and information

•                     Encourage appropriate professional help

•                     Encourage self-help and other support strategies

Continual Learning

•   Encouraging ongoing education and awareness about mental health issues in the community.

How to get MHFA for you or your workplace

*The content of this blog post was updated on 11 March 2024 and has been adapted from Mental Health First Aid Australia
Please see the MHFA website for the most accurate information.