Becoming a Mental Health First Aider

Mental health first aid is the process of supporting a friend or family member who might be experiencing a mental health crisis. Mental health first aid training isn’t about being able to treat mental health problems.

Instead, it’s about recognising the signs of a crisis and providing support until a person’s own healthcare team can get involved.

For the purposes of mental health first aid, a mental health crisis is something obvious, like a person having a panic attack or becoming suicidal. But it can also include less obvious things, like a person cutting themselves or withdrawing from friends and family because they are depressed.

Mental health first aid is usually carried out by someone who has a personal connection with the person at risk. This can mean a family member, a friend, or a colleague.

In some cases, anyone can provide mental health first aid, even if they don’t have a personal connection to the person in need. For example, a shop worker or a neighbour might notice that a customer looks depressed and offer support until the crisis is over.

A mental health first aider is a dedicated individual who is passionate about helping others in need. You will be able to make a difference in the lives of people suffering from mental illnesses.

It’s important for mental health first aiders to be aware of the challenges they will face. You’ll need to be emotionally strong, and have patience. You’ll also have to know how to help people with common mental health problems.

You’ll have to know how to help people with anxiety, depression, or substance abuse. You’ll also have to know how to handle other issues like sexual abuse, domestic violence, and grief.

Choose MHFA Courses from Mental Health & Life because you care about the people in your life. Choose Mental Health & Life because you are tired of this important issue being swept under the rug. Choose our Online MHFA Courses because you appreciate what we have to offer but are not able to attend classes in person. And choose us because you want to be part of the solution to the UK’s growing mental health crisis.