Explore mental health first aid and learn how it can be used to help those in immediate need of psychological support.
There are many reasons why someone might need psychological support. Every person is susceptible to poor mental health. At some point in their lifetime, it is inevitable to need support or be in need of assistance.
The use of psychological first aid can be a great way to combat mental health issues caused by many reasons. As we dive deeper, we will explore the importance of mental health first aid. Such as what it can be used for, who can become a first aider, where to receive training, and how to offer support to yourself and others.
What is mental health first aid?
We’ve all heard of CPR. As a result, many of us know what to do if someone chokes on a piece of food or has difficulty breathing. But how can you help a person suffering from a panic attack or suicidal thoughts?
That’s what Mental Health First Aid is for.
Similar to CPR, Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to help someone experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis. You learn how to spot mental illness symptoms and warning signs, how to help someone in crisis or non-crisis situations, and where to find help.
Why is mental health first aid important?
Mental health first aid can be a crucial tool to ensure that people are able to cope with challenging experiences and build resilience. It can help people to grow and develop despite having faced difficulties.
Mental health first aid increases resilience by offering continual support, increasing self-esteem and self-worth and the capability to cope with a difficult situation. However, resilience depends on the nature and severity of the adverse event.
It is true that mental health first aid can build resilience and one’s ability to deal with difficult situations. However, it’s critical to note that it cannot get rid of distress, risk or any psychological disorders. It’s not a solution to everything, and it should never be promised as such.
Many people with mental health problems do not seek help or delay seeking help.
Globally, only 41% of the people who had a mental disorder in the past year received professional health care or other services. Even when people decide to get help, it’s frequently after many years of waiting and putting it off. The longer a person waits to seek help, the more difficult their recovery can be. But research shows that people with mental health problems are more likely to seek help if someone close to them suggests it. And that could be you.
It is often difficult for people to open up about their mental health problems with family and friends because they are worried about what others might think. This can cause people to isolate themselves, internalize the stigma and begin to believe the negative things they hear other people say.
How Can Journey To Positive Mental Health Help?
Mental health problems are more common than any disease. Every year, 13% of people worldwide are affected by a mental health problem. This means that most likely, you or someone around you will experience a mental illness. And Journey To Positive Mental Health workshop can help you.
Journey to Positive Mental Health is a course that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses such as anxiety attacks, substance use disorders. It provides you with the skills you need to reach out and support someone who may be experiencing a mental health crisis or growing into a mental illness.
Mental illness and addiction are taking lives every day. It is more pertinent now than ever that everyone is trained to help with Mental Health First Aid. With the right information and skills, you could respond to someone who is struggling and help them get the support they need.
Join Journey To Positive Mental Health today and #BeTheDifference for everyone who needs you.