Mental health concerns impact all Australians. Research shows that 44% of people will experience mental illness at some point, and that has far-reaching effects on our personal and professional lives.
Addressing these concerns is rarely simple. Mental illness is difficult to see, and it’s even harder to treat when many sufferers remain silent.
Recognising the signs and symptoms of mental illness, and learning how to approach these issues, is the best way to support the people around you.
Mental Health First Aid training is an accredited program that’s designed to provide the skills and awareness needed to address mental illness, particularly in the workplace.
In this article, we’ll learn more about Mental Health First Aid training and how it builds stronger communities.
Highlights
- Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training teaches assisting people with mental health concerns until professional help arrives.
- MHFA training covers issues like depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, teaching real-world response skills.
- Designed by Mental Health First Aid® Australia, MHFA focuses on practical skills and reducing mental health stigma.
- MHFA's ALGEE action plan includes approaching, listening, giving support, encouraging professional help, and exploring self-help.
- MHFA training benefits everyone, enhancing workplace mental health and creating supportive environments.
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Australia’s Workplace Mental Health Epidemic
While the effects of mental illness are often personal, the impact on our workplaces is profound. A study from the University of Sydney showed that nearly 1 in 6 workers experienced poor mental health each month, and that it was costing NSW employers about $2.8 billion annually.
One way to combat this problem is to create a mentally healthy workplace. For every $1 spent creating mentally healthy workplaces, employers can see returns of up to $4. This is because mentally healthy workplaces:
- Reduce absenteeism and time off due to ill health
- Improve productivity through encouraging workers to be more committed to the business
- Create a competitive advantage through positive workplace culture
- Help with attracting and retaining valuable staff
With adults spending about one-third of their lives at work, it’s everyone’s responsibility to look after the mental health of those around them.
What is Mental Health First Aid Training?
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training teaches you how to assist people who are dealing with mental health concerns until professional help can be sought. This training is often delivered to professionals in the workplace.
Training packages are developed by Mental Health First Aid® Australia. During training, your instructor will cover mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, mood disorders, substance abuse, trauma and psychosis.
Your MHFA training will guide you through real-world scenarios and provide the skills you need to deal with mental health events like:
- Feeling suicidal
- Panic attacks
- Traumatic events
- Severe reactions to relationship issues
- Severe psychotic states
- Severe effects and withdrawal from alcohol or drug use
- Aggressive behaviours.
These types of situations don’t just pose a risk to the person suffering through the event, they can also impact others in the workplace. Providing mental health first aid can dramatically improve outcomes for everyone involved, ensuring your friends and family get the professional help they need.
During training, you’ll learn to identify the signs of these issues, improve your mental health literacy, and build stronger workplaces through greater wellbeing.
Training Designed by Mental Health First Aid® Australia
Mental Health First Aid training programs are designed by Mental Health First Aid® Australia (MHFAA). MHFAA is a non-profit organisation that’s focused on teaching the skills required to recognise and respond to mental health emergencies.
MHFAA takes a practical, skills-based approach to teaching people how to support someone who is experiencing a mental health problem. This reduces the stigma attached to mental illness and helps ensure that support is available in workplaces, schools and the broader community.
MHFAA has trained more than 1 million people in Australia. Their success is due to the simplicity of their training, which teaches the ALGEE action plan:
- Approach the situation, assess the risk and assist with any crisis
- Listen to the other person without judgement
- Give the person support, information and reassurance
- Encourage the person to seek professional help
- Encourage the person to seek other support strategies, such as self-help.
The ALGEE action plan is an effective way to approach mental illness and provide support until professional help can be sought.
Who is MHFA Training For?
Mental Health First Aid training is for everybody.
While training is often delivered to professionals and workplace groups, the skills and knowledge you learn can be applied to every area of your life. If you have a friend, family member, coworker or a member of your community who struggles with mental health, MHFA training is for you.
The courses at MiTraining are suitable for people with diverse experiences, age groups and cultural backgrounds. We offer MFHA courses ideal for:
- All professionals
- Managers and team leaders
- Human resources officers
- Teachers and tertiary educators
- Emergency responders
- Nurses, doctors and health workers
- Indigenous health workers
- Counsellors and social workers
How Mental Health First Aid Training Supports Your Team
Australia’s mental health crisis is being felt all over the country.
When your coworkers are in distress, the initial care you provide can make all the difference. MHFA training isn’t just about improving workplace productivity – it’s about recognising the signs of mental health concerns, and encouraging people to seek the help they need.
Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of your teams allows everyone to find a sense or purpose, belonging and achievement in their work. This creates a positive feedback loop that can help people manage their mental health concerns at work and in private.
That’s good for the business, and it’s even better for creating a positive workplace culture where your teams feel valued and supported.
Strengthen Your Workplace With Mental Health First Aid Courses at MiTraining
Mental health is everybody’s concern, and to support those around you, undertake a Mental Health First Aid course. Your course will prepare you for real-world situations and provide the skills you need to build a stronger workplace.
If you are interested in upskilling and making an impact, MiTraining offers Mental Health First Aid training throughout Australia!
MiTraining is an RTO that delivers a range of courses and nationally-accredited training programs to business professionals. Our Mental Health First Aid courses are ideal for everyone, and they’re delivered as face-to-face training or as blended online workshops.
If you know someone who is struggling with mental illness, or if you want to create a stronger and more supportive work culture, we can equip you to achieve your goals.
Sign up for Mental Health First Aid training online, or contact us to tailor a package for your workplace.
