Mental Health First Aid
Description
The Active Safety Accredited Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course teaches students how to spot common signs and symptoms of someone whose mental health is in danger and how to help them create a mental health first aid plan.
The learner will receive knowledge about mental health illnesses as well as how to help and empathise with those who are experiencing difficulties. The learner will learn what warning signs to look for and when to seek expert aid for the individual.
Who Should Attend
MHFA is a course that can be attended by any member of any organisation or any member of the public who wishes to learn more about mental health and illness.
While there is presently no legal requirement for this training in Ireland, we can only encourage employers to have as many MHFA and employees aware of mental health issues in the workplace as possible so we can look after each other.
However, we would advise you to speak to your employees before they attend for training. Do they have an interest in supporting others with mental health issues, are they comfortable with attending this course, do they have the time in their current role to support others?
Learning Outcomes
Introduction to mental health
knowledge and skills to recognise the signs and symptoms associated with anxiety and depression
Learn how to develop empathic listening skills
Tools to challenging stigma
Improve productivity within the workplace
Decrease absenteeism
Improved performance from individuals and teams
Course Outline
Know what mental health is and why people develop mental health conditions and the role of a Mental Health First Aider
Know how to provide advice and practical support for a person presenting a mental health condition
Know how to recognise and manage stress
Know how to recognise and identify range mental conditions
Understanding the impact of substance abuse on mental health
Understand the first aid action plan for mental health and be able to put it in place
Know how to implement a positive mental health culture in the workplace
Certification & Assessment
Learners who complete the mental health first aid course will be trained in mental health first aid skills receive a Holland Safety Mental Health First Aid Certificate.
Additional Information
What is Mental Health
Mental health is an integral and essential component of health.
The WHO constitution states: "Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."
The Function of Mental Health First Aid
The employee trained in MHFA in the workplace is a point of contact to the employee who is experiencing a mental health issue. The employee trained in MHFA interactions with the individual in crisis maybe an initial conversation through to supporting the individual accessing the appropriate help or service they need. The employee trained in MHFA has a key role in early intervention as they have been trained to:
Know the signs and symptoms of Mental ill health
Communicate and listen empathetically
Assess the level of distress the person is in and what interventions are needed
Encourage the person to access appropriate service
Maintain confidentiality
Protect themselves while carrying out the role of MHFA
This training course is not intended to replace the input of medically trained professionals, instead, it is designed to teach people to know the signs and symptoms of mental illness and to provide help in a first aid capacity. The course is delivered by a quality assured professional with the highest level of expertise in psychotherapy.
Why is it important to learn about Mental Health
Mental health just like physical health can fluctuate depending on your circumstances. In relation to the workplace, people can experience mental health difficulties when they are bored, under-valued or under-stimulated and equally if too many demands are placed on them.
Mental health problems are very common. One in four of us are expected to experience a mental health problem at some point in our lives.
The World Health Organisation estimates that by 2020 depression will be the second greatest cause of disability in the world.
