Mental Health First Aid Training

Course content

1Introduction

Mental health is about how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. This course begins by providing an overview of the importance of  Mental Health First Aid Training courses in the workplace, and explains where and how they originated, and how they can support your team.

You’ll find out about the benefits of Mental Health First Aid training and look at why workplace wellness is important, whilst being shown current facts and statistics about the impact of mental health in the workplace.

2Stress

This practical module examines stress in the workplace, looking at the causes, the symptoms and how it can be stopped or significantly reduced. You’ll find out about the similarities and differences between work related stress and mental health issues, and explore why these can sometimes occur at the same time.

Throughout this chapter you’ll take an in-depth look at the following:

• Causes of work related stress
• Signs of stress in an employee
• Signs of stress in teams

You’ll then explore strategies for preventing stress from occurring.

3Employers’ Role

This chapter begins to examine the ways that employers can support mental health in the workplace. You’ll hear about discrimination and stigma, and find out about all the steps employers can take to provide a mentally well workplace, free from risk.

You’ll learn about building a more resilient workforce, and explore ways of making wellness a priority for all employees. You’ll hear about how to promote good, healthy habits, and create a more supportive, caring environment.

The importance of soft skills such as communication, emotional intelligence, and building trust are also explored.

Finally, this chapter gives you an in-depth overview of how you can create a clear policy and role document for Mental Health First Aiders.

4The Role of Management

In this chapter, you’ll focus on the role managers play in ensuring the success of Mental Health First Aider initiatives.

You’ll learn about how managers can approach mental health conversations and examine the relevance of ongoing Mental Health Training for Managers.

Next, you’ll explore the importance of talking at an early stage, find out how to support upset employees, and learn ways to manage ongoing illness in the workplace.

5Employee’s Role: Part 1

Here, you’ll begin by looking at ‘What makes a good mental health first aider’ and the practicalities of the role, as well as looking at the skills you may have that make you suited to undertake the position.

You’ll hear a lot of detailed, supportive information relating to holding conversations about mental health, with lots of practical ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’ to support you in your Mental Health First Aider role.

6Employee’s Role: Part 2

This chapter continues to investigate the role you’ll play in ensuring the success of Mental Health First Aid programmes.

You’ll focus on how to reassure a colleague, and hear about how important this can be. You’ll learn practical hints and tips to help you as you undertake your role.

This chapter contains a section specifically focused on ‘Dealing with a Panic Attack’.

7Employee’s Role: Part 3

In this final chapter, you’ll learn a lot about the self-care techniques for dealing with anxiety so you can help support colleagues who may be experiencing it. You’ll find out about relaxation techniques, physical exercise, meditation and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

Next, you’ll look at how you can support people who have experienced a traumatic event or have PTSD. You’ll hear about the signs and symptoms they might display, and learn about what you can do to support them (if and when they feel ready).

Finally, you’ll hear about ‘Engaging with your Employer’ – learning about how successful Mental Health First Aiders maintain good communication with their employers, get support for themselves, and help implement a company-wide approach to good mental health and wellbeing.