How to Become a Mental Health First Aider – Introduction
A mental health first aider is someone who has been trained to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health issues and crises in the workplace, school, home or community settings. The role involves being able to spot the early signs of mental health issues, feel confident in approaching or supporting someone while maintaining clear boundaries, guide a person towards appropriate support and empower them to access help.
Becoming a first aider for mental health is an important way to help build mentally healthy workplaces, schools and communities. 1 in 5 adults will experience a mental illness in any given year, so being a mental health first aider prepares you to have compassionate and supportive conversations with those who may be developing or experiencing a mental health problem. However, a mental health first aider does not take on the role of a counsellor or psychologist. Rather, their goal is to listen non-judgementally, provide initial support and reassurance, encourage appropriate professional help, and signpost to appropriate support services. The role is all about empowering someone to access professional support and useful resources when needed, while also ensuring self-care.
Having mental health first aiders in every workplace, school and community helps combat stigma, foster a culture of care and demonstrate that support is available. It can help prevent mental health issues worsening and people failing to seek life-saving support. Everyone benefits from reduced stigma and having someone friendly and approachable to turn to when experiencing any mental health worries or crises.
First Aid for Mental Health Training
First Aid for Mental Health Training teaches people how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges. FAMH programs are offered in various formats to meet the needs of different organisations, groups, and individuals.
Overview of Training Programs
There are a few main First Aid for Mental Health Training training options available:
- Level 1: Awareness of First Aid for Mental Health – This introductory session is designed to gently usher individuals into the world of mental health support. It aims to raise awareness among office workers, managers, and HR professionals, educating them on recognising the main signs of mental health issues. It’s an open door to understanding, creating a baseline of empathy and sensitivity in the workplace, essential for fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment.
- Level 2: First Aid for Mental Health – Building on the foundational awareness, this intermediate course dives deeper, equipping participants with actionable skills. Aimed at wellbeing managers, team leaders, and supportive colleagues, it focuses on practical strategies to assist others effectively, covering how to approach conversations about mental health and offer initial support. It balances sensitivity with action, creating confident supporters in the office space.
- Level 3: Supervising First Aid for Mental Health in the Workplace – Tailored for those who hold responsibility for wellbeing in their office environment, such as HR managers and CEOs, this comprehensive course delves into creating and maintaining a supportive mental health strategy within the workplace. It covers advanced support techniques, strategic planning, and implementation of mental health policies, aiming to cultivate leaders who can champion mental health wellbeing and transform the office into a haven of support and understanding.
Each of these levels is thoughtfully designed to meet you where you are in your journey toward understanding mental health first aid, guiding you step by step to foster an environment where everyone feels supported and empowered to thrive.
How to Become a Mental Health First Aider – Length and Format Options
The courses are typically 4 and 8 hours long and offered over 1-2 days or weekly sessions. They are led in-person by a trained and certified FAMH instructor.
Some programs also offer abbreviated 3-4-hour mental health awareness trainings. These introduce basic skills but do not provide full certification.
The courses can either be delivered in person at your location or online for convenience.
Certification Process
Participants must attend the full training program and then pass an exam at the end to receive certification as a First Aider for Mental Health.
Certification lasts for 3 years, after which individuals must complete a refresher course. The certification process validates that individuals have working knowledge of risk factors, warning signs, and how to help someone developing mental health and substance use challenges. FAMH training is widely recognised as the gold standard for mental health first aid in communities and workplaces.
Developing Active Listening Skills
Active listening is a critical skill for mental health first aiders. When someone is in distress, they need to feel heard and understood. Here are some tips for developing effective active listening skills:
Tips for Active Listening
- Maintain eye contact and give the person your full attention. Avoid distractions and stay focused on the conversation.
- Use open body language by facing the person and avoiding crossed arms or legs. Lean in slightly to show engagement.
- Paraphrase what the person said to confirm understanding. For example, “It sounds like you’re saying…”
- Ask open-ended questions to encourage them to expand on their thoughts and feelings.
- Avoid interrupting or jumping in with your own stories. This time should be about them.
Being Present and Non-Judgemental
When someone is opening up about mental health struggles, it’s important to be fully present in the moment with them. Set aside any internal judgements or opinions. Don’t look at your watch or phone. Make the person feel heard and validated.
It’s normal to hear things that surprise you. But remain neutral and caring in your facial expressions and tone of voice. Your role is to support, not pass judgement.
Allowing Silence
After someone shares difficult emotions, allow some silence. Don’t immediately fill these spaces with questions or advice. Silence gives the person time to reflect and process their thoughts and feelings.
Listen patiently and stay present. Often they will open up more once they’ve had time to find the right words. Avoid interrupting their train of thought.
How to Become a Mental Health First Aider – Assessing Risk of Harm
As a mental health first aider, a crucial skill is being able to assess when someone may be at risk of harming themselves or others. Here are some tips for identifying risk factors and determining when professional help is needed:
Look for warning signs
Some behaviours that could indicate risk of harm include:
- Talking about wanting to die or kill themselves
- Looking for ways to kill themselves, like searching for methods online
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
- Expressing rage, uncontrolled anger, or desire for revenge
- Engaging in reckless behaviours without concern for consequences
- Increasing alcohol or drug use
- Withdrawing from family/friends or isolating themselves
- Dramatic mood changes, like sudden euphoria after depression
Ask direct questions
If you notice any of these behaviours, it’s important to ask the person direct questions such as:
- Do you have thoughts of harming yourself or others?
- What’s your plan for harming yourself or others? Do you have access to lethal means?
- Have you decided when you’ll carry out your plan?
- Have you done anything, started to do anything, or prepared to do anything to harm yourself or others?
Identify urgent risk requiring professional help
Immediate intervention is required if the person:
- Has access to lethal means and a serious plan to use them
- Intends to imminently die by suicide
- Is engaging in reckless behaviour and unwilling/unable to commit to safety
In these crisis situations, do not leave the person alone. Call emergency services or a suicide hotline right away.
Assess other risk factors
Along with direct warnings, take into account risk factors like:
- Previous suicide attempt(s)
- History of violence, abuse, or trauma
- Major life stressors (job loss, divorce, bereavement)
- Mental health conditions, especially clinical depression
- Substance abuse problems
The more risk factors, the higher concern there is for self-harm or harming others.
Trust your gut
If you feel the situation seems dangerous, do not hesitate to call professionals, even if the person is resistant. Better to get help and be safe, than regret not taking action. Your care and support can protect their life.
How to Become a Mental Health First Aider – Providing Initial Support
Providing initial support is a key component of mental health first aid. When someone is experiencing a mental health crisis or challenge, how you respond in those first interactions can have a major impact. Here are some tips for providing effective initial support through supportive conversations:
Validate Their Feelings and Experiences
It’s important not to judge or invalidate how someone is feeling when they open up to you. Statements like “I’m sure it’s not that bad” or “You’ll get over it” can make them feel criticised and reluctant to open up again. Instead, validate their emotions with responses like:
- “It makes sense you would feel that way.”
- “I can understand why you’re feeling stressed/overwhelmed/hopeless.”
- “It’s okay to feel this way. I’m here to listen without judgment.”
Validating their feelings builds trust and shows you empathise. Avoid trying to change their emotions or make them feel better. The goal is to create a safe space for them to express themselves.
Provide Reassurance
Offer reassurance by emphasising they are not alone and support is available. You could say things like:
- “I’m here for you whenever you need to talk.”
- “This must be really tough, but you have the strength to get through this.”
- “There are people who care about you and want to help.”
- “Together we can figure out the next steps to help you feel better.”
Providing reassurance helps give them hope during moments of crisis or difficulty. However, be careful not to promise things will definitely improve or go back to normal soon. Managing expectations while still being supportive takes delicacy.
Actively Listen
Some of the best initial support you can provide is simply listening attentively. Make eye contact, avoid distractions, and focus on what they are saying without judgment. Where appropriate, use open-ended questions to encourage them to open up at their own pace. Listening shows you care and gives them space to process emotions out loud.
The goal is to have an honest, caring dialogue to help assess their situation and determine if professional help is needed. Avoid giving direct advice beyond basic mental health first aid. You are there to provide compassionate support until the crisis resolves or appropriate treatment is accessed.
How to Become a Mental Health First Aider – Encouraging Professional Help
Encouraging someone to seek professional help can be an important part of providing mental health first aid. As a first aider, you can help by:
Recommending Professional Support
- Suggest they speak to a doctor or mental health professional. Provide information on options like counselors, therapists, psychiatrists, community health centers, crisis lines, or support groups.
- Explain the benefits of seeking professional help and how it can lead to proper diagnosis, treatment, coping strategies, and recovery.
- Normalise seeking mental health treatment. Just as one sees a doctor for physical health, seeing a therapist or counsellor is caring for mental health.
- Motivate them by saying you care and want to help find the support they need. Don’t judge their symptoms.
Helping Make Appointments
- Offer to help research providers, compare treatment options, and make calls or appointments. This removes barriers to getting professional care.
- Ask when they are available for appointments. Schedule at a convenient time so it’s easier for them to follow through.
- Arrange transportation or go with them to the first appointment for moral support if needed.
Following Up
- Check in after the first appointment to see how it went. Ask if the provider seems like a good fit or if they need help finding someone new.
- Gently encourage them to stick with treatment even if progress feels slow. Recovery takes time and commitment.
- Offer to accompany them or help schedule follow-up visits. Reliable support can lead to better continuity of care.
- Track improvements over time. Note small wins that show treatment is working. Give hope by emphasiaing progress.
Maintaining Boundaries
As a mental health first aider, it’s important to maintain appropriate boundaries with those you’re trying to help. Getting overly involved or attempting to fulfill the role of a therapist or counselor can lead to caregiver burnout and be detrimental for both parties. Here are some tips for maintaining healthy boundaries:
- Remember that your role is to provide initial support and guide the person to professional help – not to serve as an ongoing counselor. Avoid overextending yourself.
- Keep the focus on the other person and their needs. Don’t share overly personal information or shift the focus to yourself.
- Be aware of physical boundaries as well. Don’t meet in isolated locations, give or loan money, or have any inappropriate physical contact.
- Set time boundaries by keeping conversations brief and referring the person to professional services that can provide ongoing support. Don’t remain available at all hours.
- Set firm boundaries around what you will and will not discuss related to the person’s mental health issues. Make it clear that you are not qualified to provide diagnosis or advice.
- If you start to feel overwhelmed, redirect the conversation and take a step back. Your own self-care comes first.
- Seek a debrief with someone you trust. Don’t try to handle the emotional burden alone.
Maintaining healthy boundaries is essential for avoiding fatigue, frustration, and burnout as a mental health first aider. With some practical tips, you can provide caring support while still looking after your own well-being.
How to Become a Mental Health First Aider – Ongoing Education
Once your initial First Aid for Mental Health training is complete, it’s important to continue developing your knowledge and skills. Some ways to pursue ongoing education include:
- Reading latest research: Look for new studies and reports on mental health topics. This will help you stay up-to-date on current best practices and new developments in areas like trauma, depression, anxiety, psychosis, and suicide prevention. Mental health is a rapidly evolving field, so reading widely can deepen your understanding.
- Attending conferences and events: Conferences related to mental health, psychology, counseling, and social work can provide excellent professional development opportunities. Look for national and local events that align with your interests and allow you to hear from experts. These are also great for networking with other mental health professionals.
- Connecting with other First Aiders for Mental Health: Build relationships with other certified Mental Health First Aiders in your community or company. You can share experiences, discuss challenges, and learn from each other. It helps to have a supportive network of peers who understand the specific work you do. You may be able to partner on projects or public awareness campaigns.
Pursuing ongoing learning ensures you can provide the highest level of care and support as a First Aider for Mental Health. The field changes frequently, so staying curious and seeking new information will make you a more effective ally for those you serve.
Putting Skills into Practice
Once you’ve completed Mental Health First Aid training, it’s important to look for opportunities to put your new skills into practice. Here are some ways you can start using your training to support others:
Volunteer with Community Organisations
Many local organiaations rely on volunteers to staff crisis hotlines, shelters, group therapy sessions, and other mental health services. Volunteering is a great way to gain experience and make a difference in your community. Look for opportunities at community mental health centers, crisis intervention centers, homeless shelters, youth outreach programs, or suicide prevention hotlines. Even just a few hours a month can provide invaluable help to those in need.
Be an Ally at School or Work
Use your skills to support colleagues, classmates, and peers who may be struggling. Look out for warning signs of mental health issues and check in compassionately. Offer a listening ear if someone needs to talk. Share resources and information to point them to professional support. Remind them that mental health challenges are common and treatable. Small acts of support from a trusted friend or colleague can make a big difference.
Partner with Awareness/Advocacy Groups
Many local and national organiaations work to fight stigma, raise awareness, and improve mental health policies and resources. Look for opportunities to volunteer and get involved with their campaigns, fundraisers, and outreach events. You can help spread mental health literacy, share personal stories, and be an advocate.
Taking action to support mental health in your community allows you to gain real-world experience and have a positive impact. And you never know when you might be able to use your First Aid for Mental Health skills to help someone in crisis. Being prepared to assist family, friends, colleagues, and strangers who are facing mental health challenges is a valuable skill for life.
If you or someone you know require urgent mental health support:
From the NHS (UK):
Help for suicidal thoughts
If you’re feeling like you want to die, it’s important to tell someone.
Help and support is available right now if you need it. You do not have to struggle with difficult feelings alone. Contact Samaritans, Call 116 123
or Email jo@samaritans.orgIs your life in danger?
If you have seriously harmed yourself – for example, by taking a drug overdose – or you feel that you may be about to harm yourself, call 999 for an ambulance or go straight to A&E.
Or ask someone else to call 999 or take you to A&E.
How to Become a Mental Health First Aider – Conclusion
Becoming a mental health first aider requires dedication and compassion. By completing formal training, actively listening, assessing risk, providing initial support, and encouraging professional help, you can make a real difference in your community.
The key steps include attending an in-person or online certification course, practicing skills like nonjudgmental listening, learning how to assess risk of suicide or self-harm, offering initial support through reassurance and information, and guiding people to appropriate professional help and resources.
With the right knowledge and techniques, mental health first aiders can provide critical assistance during a mental health crisis. They help create more understanding workplaces, schools, and communities. Their interventions can save lives and change outcomes for the better.
We all have a role to play in addressing mental health struggles. Consider getting certified in first aid for mental health and being there for someone in need. You have the power to listen, comfort, and direct individuals to the support they require. Together, we can work towards mental health for all.
Transform Your Workplace with First Aid for Mental Health Courses
At Wellbeing in Your Office, we deeply understand the profound impact of mental wellbeing on work environments. That’s why we’re thrilled to offer our comprehensive First Aid for Mental Health Courses, designed to equip you and your team with the essential skills to support mental health in the workplace.
Why Enroll in Our Courses?
Expert Guidance: Learn from leading professionals in mental health first aid, ready to share their wisdom and practices.
Comprehensive Curriculum: Our courses cover crucial topics from identifying the signs of mental distress to offering appropriate support and guidance.
Accredited Programs: With offerings such as Ofqual Levels 1, 2, and 3 Awards in First Aid for Mental Health our programs are recognised and respected.
Real Impact: Gain the confidence and tools to make a tangible difference in someone’s life, fostering a culture of care and support within your organisation.
Contact us today to book your First Aid for Mental Health Course.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for general knowledge and educational purposes only. It should not be construed as professional health, legal, or business advice. Readers should always consult with appropriate health professionals, human resource experts, or legal advisors for specific concerns related to mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of publication, Wellbeing In Your Office cannot be held responsible for any subsequent changes, updates, or revisions of the aforementioned content.