12 Reasons Everyone Should Learn Mental Health First Aid
Before answering that question, have you ever taken a physical first-aid course? Most of us would answer yes, or at least be aware of its benefits in the workplace. The critical first moments at the start of physical distress are a matter of life and death for some people. Knowing what to do until professional help arrives is worth its weight in gold.
The Mental Health First Aid program offers the same principle: the desire to save lives. It does this through education. First aid for panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, psychosis, or depression has different steps. Knowing what to do will increase your confidence and make you invaluable in any setting.
The standard course runs for 12 hours over two days. Those 12 hours could save you, your company, and your community from ill health as well as wealth. The National Mental Health Commission published alarming statistics in 2016. They discovered a link between Australians' mental well-being and economic growth. The cost to the nation is about $ 4,000 per taxpayer and more than $60 billion. That’s a high economic burden. The Mental Health First Aid program aims to reduce that step by step.
Here are twelve of its benefits:
1. Mindfulness
In Australia, it’s estimated that 1 in 5 people (20%) has experienced a mental health disorder in the previous 12 months. The most common of these are anxiety, depression and substance use disorders. MHFA training helps develop mindfulness skills. You’ll become aware of people around you and what to do at the moment when dealing with a mental health issue.
2. Engagement
Engagement encourages people to be other-centric and to develop their emotional intelligence. MHFA requires concern, care and compassion for others. This develops engagement and engagement enhances teamwork as well as community interest.
3. Newness
MHFA training has been around for the last ten years and yet there is a perception that it’s relatively new. That’s OK…learning something new has positive effects on your brain! It helps you adapt to change, provides a sense of accomplishment, can keep dementia at bay and helps you to have a confident mindset.
4. Time Management
So many people comment that they simply don’t have time to study or take on anything new. The late Jim Rohn has a marvellous quote; work harder on yourself than you do your job. The more you improve, the greater your health and wealth. The MHFA course helps you to understand different states of mind. It may even bring your attention to a pending mental health issue. Identifying this early is what it’s all about. In the long run, you’ll end up saving time (and money).
5. Awareness
Becoming aware of self and others hasn’t a destination; it’s a learning journey. In the program, not only will you become aware of what you can and can’t do with a presenting mental health issue, but you’ll also become more knowledgeable about:
- mental health problems in Australia
- mental health first aid skills
- depression
- anxiety
- psychosis
- substance-use problems
- gambling problems
- eating disorders
- mental health crises such as suicidal behaviours.
6. Listening skills
Becoming a Mental Health First Aider develops your listening skills. It’s a vital step in helping an individual with a mental health problem. The course will provide scenarios for you to practise those skills in depth.
7. Health Promotion
Although we are talking about mental health, it’s more about holistic health. Poor mental health can negatively impact on physical health, leading to an increased risk of some conditions. Poor physical health can also be a reason for poor mental health. Keep in mind that it’s not about diagnosis; it’s about detecting issues early to get the professional help that’s needed.
8. Expression
There are a few settings to voice your opinion about mental health issues. Within the structure of the MHFA course, you’ll be able to express yourself and share your concerns in a safe environment. There is still a stigma associated with mental health issues. MHFA training aims to break down this stigma.
9. Attention
Neil Postman, author of
Amusing Ourselves to Death, believed that modern technologies are reducing people’s attention span. The standard MHFA course is a face-to-face program. You’ll meet people, engage in relevant activities, and improve your attention span in a classroom setting.
10. Leading
It takes vision to become a good leader. If you are in a leadership position, you’ll be sensitive to emerging trends in our society. Mental Health First Aiders may not be in every workplace now, but what of the future? Taking the lead shows initiative, drive and vision.
11. Tax
Tax can be defined as a contribution, a cost, a duty and savings. There are financial savings related to identifying and managing mental health issues early on. Yet, it’s also worthwhile to consider our contribution to one another as a community. Someone’s suffering bears a cost to society as a whole. Learning MHFA principles is but a small price to pay to help ease this burden.
12. Humility
MHFA is not about diagnosing mental health illnesses. It’s about recognising the initial signs in someone and helping them seek professional help. It’s about humility and breaking the wall of shame that surrounds so many from seeking help. The longer someone waits to get professional help, the worse the conditions may get and the more expensive the treatments.
Certification
MHFA certification lasts for three years, although you can also do the course without certification. The course is something Australia ought to be proud of. It was created in Canberra by Betty Kitchener, an educator, in partnership with Tony Jorm, a mental-health researcher. The program is spreading largely due to its evidence-based course content. Already, over 2 million people have trained internationally. It’s definitely a program that’s worth its weight in gold.
Resources
1. Mental Health Commission –
mentalhealthcommission.gov.au
2. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare – aihw.gov.au
3. Learning Solutions Online Magazine – learningsolutionsmag.com
4. Mental Health First Aid Australia – mhfa.com.au
5. Mental Health First Aid Manual, Kitchener, Jorm & Kelly, 4th Edition
