Tips to Prepare for the Mental Health First Aid Course

What Is Mental Health First Aid?

The MHFA course is for individuals or managers across all industries wishing to have a better understanding of mental health issues and to become more capable and confident in recognising and engaging with those needing mental health support. Everyone has mental health, just as we all have physical health. Mental ill health can strike at any time and can affect people from all walks of life.

One in four people in the world will be affected by mental health issues in their lifetime. In the construction industry mental health is a huge issue, a recent report from the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) found that:

• Suicide in the construction industry is 4 times higher than the national average
• 97% were stressed at least once during 2019
• 70% of respondents reported experiencing depression
• 87% had experienced anxiety

Our Mental Health First Aid Course in Essex will provide you with a better overall understanding of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and suicide. With this training, you will have the confidence to recognise the signs of mental health issues and know how to provide support.

Why Is This Training Important?

People often have preconceptions as to how someone with mental health issues may look or act like and what may make help them to feel better. However, without MHFA training, telling someone to ‘man up’ or ‘get on with it’ or reminding them that ‘plenty of people have it worse’ may make them feel worse and even guilty for the way they’re feeling.

This training will help you to identify, understand and help someone who may be experiencing a mental health issue by learning how to recognise warning signs of mental ill health, and how to develop the skills and confidence to approach and support someone whilst keeping yourself safe at the same time. You will also find out how to signpost someone to access the support they might need for recovery or successful management of mental health issues including suicide.

What Should I Do Ahead Of The Course?

Ahead of the two-day virtual course, you will receive your Mental Health First Aid Manual and Online Workbook. You might find it useful to read through these before the course to help you feel prepared before the course and know what to expect. There are fours short sets of self-directed learning exercises which are taken before teach session to help prepare you for the next session.

Ensure you will have access to a computer or iPad on the day with internet access as well as sound and a microphone. This course is interactive so it is important to be able to participate. Don’t be afraid to ask any questions during the course and if any aspect of the course feels too much, you can ask for a break. And one of our Trainers will visit with you after the session to ensure that you are OK to continue.