what is mental health first aid course

What do you do in mental health first aid?

Mental Health First Aiders are trained to:Spot the early signs and symptoms of mental ill health.Start a supportive conversation with a colleague who may be experiencing a mental health issue or emotional distress.Listen to the person non-judgementally.Assess the risk of suicide or self-harm.More items...

What is mental health first aid and why is it so important?

Generally, the purpose of a MHFA is to be a point of contact for employees if they are experiencing emotional distress or suffering in silence with mental health problems, such as stress, anxiety or depression, for example. Mental Health First Aiders are trained to listen.Feb 18, 2021

What level is mental health first aid?

Highfield Level 2 Award in Introduction to First Aid for Mental Health (RQF) The role of a first aider for mental health is to provide basic mental health support or to be the first response to someone in need, usually in the workplace.

Is Mental Health First Aid evidence based?

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an evidence-based intervention designed to improve mental health literacy and ability to respond to someone with a mental health problem.

What does mental health mean?

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.

How long is a mental health course?

In a year, you'll typically be expected to commit 1200 hours to your course across all styles of learning. If you are taking a placement, you might have some additional hours.

Is Mental Health First Aid a legal requirement?

Is having Mental Health First Aiders a legal requirement? Having Mental Health First Aiders in the workplace is a recommendation, not legislation, so there is no set date when workplaces must have sufficient mental health provision. Employers need to treat mental health in a similar way to physical health.

What is algee in Mental Health First Aid?

The MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE) is a step-by-step action plan to use when providing support to someone who may be experiencing a distressing situation, just as you would if you were administering first aid for a fall.Apr 15, 2021

Why Mental Health First Aid

Mental Health First Aid is a public education program that can help communities understand mental illnesses, seek timely intervention, and save liv...

What Is Mental Health First Aid

Mental Health First Aid is a groundbreaking public education program that introduces participants to risk factors and warning signs of mental healt...

Youth Mental Health First Aid

Youth Mental Health First Aid, focused on youth 12 to 25 years, is being rolled out across the U.S. after a year-long pilot. This version is design...

What is the first aid course?

The Mental Health First Aid course provides a variety of local and national resources to connect individuals in need to care. Encourage self-help and other support strategies. Individuals with mental illness can contribute to their own recovery and wellness through: Exercise. Relaxation and meditation.

What is the difference between CPR and mental health first aid?

Just as CPR helps you assist an individual having a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid helps you assist someone experiencing a mental health or substance use-related crisis. In the Mental Health First Aid course, you learn risk factors and warning signs for mental health and addiction concerns, strategies for how to help someone in both crisis ...

How to know if someone is going through a mental health crisis?

When helping a person going through a mental health crisis, it is important to look for signs of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, non-suicidal self-injury, or other harm. Some warning signs of suicide include: Threatening to hurt or kill oneself. Seeking access to means to hurt or kill oneself.

Why is listening important in mental health?

Listening is critical in helping an individual feel respected, accepted, and understood. Mental Health First Aid teaches you to use a set of verbal and nonverbal skills such as open body posture, comfortable eye contact, and other strategies to engage in appropriate conversation. Give reassurance and Information.

What is mental health first aid?

Mental Health First Aid allows for early detection and intervention by teaching participants about the signs and symptoms of specific illnesses like anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and addictions.

Why is mental health first aid important?

Mental Health First Aid is a public education program that can help communities understand mental illnesses, seek timely intervention, and save lives. The core program, delivered to more than 1 million people across the country through a network of more than 12,000 instructors, has already saved lives ...

Course Format

You learn by getting involved with the material and relating what you learn to real-life applications. Discussion topics, exercises, and other activities keep you engaged in the course and give you an opportunity to practice helping skills.

Adult Course

The adult Mental Health First Aid course is appropriate for anyone age 18 and older who wants to learn how to help a person who may be experiencing a mental health related crisis or problem. The adult course is available in both English and Spanish.

How long is the MHFA online course?

The online course will last 3 days, with 6-8 hours of content each day. This is a live, interactive course taught by MHFA National Trainers. A full agenda will be provided once your registration is confirmed. Participants will complete approximately 2 hours of post-work 2-3 weeks after the live training.

How many hours of pre-work for MHFA?

Participants will complete approximately 8 hours of pre-work before the first day of training. Pre-work includes an online course that guides you through a series of MHFA modeling videos. This is a self-paced assignment that you can complete at your leisure prior to the course. You will receive it one week before your first day, with more instructions once you have confirmed your registration.

Do you need a degree to become a mental health instructor?

No specific academic or professional credentials are required for Instructor applicants. However, candidates should have knowledge of or experience with mental health problems (either personally, professionally or both), prior experience in training adult learners and a commitment and strategic plan to roll out Mental Health First Aid in the community.