Mental Health First Aid

Upcoming Mental Health First Aid Events

What’s the benefits of having a Mental Health First Aid person in the workplace?

Having a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) person in the workplace offers several benefits for both employees and the organisation as a whole. Here are some of the key benefits:

• Early intervention and support: A MHFA person can identify early signs of mental health issues among colleagues and provide timely support. By addressing problems at an early stage, they can help prevent mental health concerns from escalating into more significant issues.
• Reduced stigma and increased awareness: Having a MHFA person promotes a culture of openness and understanding around mental health in the workplace. Their presence helps reduce the stigma associated with mental health problems by creating an environment where employees feel safe to discuss their challenges and seek support.
• Improved well-being and productivity: By providing support and assistance to individuals facing mental health challenges, MHFA persons contribute to improving overall well-being in the workplace. When employees feel supported and have access to appropriate resources, they are more likely to manage their mental health effectively, leading to increased productivity and job satisfaction.
• Enhanced employee retention and morale: Having a workplace that prioritises mental health and has designated MHFA personnel can enhance employee morale and job satisfaction. Employees feel valued and supported, which can contribute to higher levels of engagement and motivation. This, in turn, can lead to increased retention rates and a positive organisational culture.
• Effective crisis management: MHFA persons are trained to handle mental health crises and emergencies appropriately. Their presence in the workplace ensures that there are individuals who can respond quickly and effectively in situations that require immediate intervention, such as *suicidal ideation or severe distress.
• Cost savings for the organisation: By addressing mental health concerns proactively, MHFA persons can help reduce absenteeism, presenteeism (being present at work but not fully productive due to mental health issues), and turnover rates. This, in turn, leads to cost savings for the organisation and increased overall productivity.
• Training and awareness for employees: My MHFA training involves educating employees about common mental health issues, self-care strategies, and available resources. This training can empower employees to support their colleagues and themselves, creating a more knowledgeable and empathetic workforce.

It’s important to note that while MHFA persons play a vital role in the workplace, they are not a substitute for mental health professionals. They provide initial support and guidance, but individuals in need of professional help should be encouraged to seek appropriate care from licensed healthcare providers or mental health professionals.

*Suicidal ideation refers to thoughts, fantasies, or contemplation about ending one’s own life. It is a common symptom associated with various mental health conditions, particularly depression, but it can also occur in other mental health disorders such as anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and others.

Suicidal ideation can range from fleeting thoughts or passing considerations of self-harm to more persistent and intrusive thoughts of suicide. It can involve thoughts about methods or plans for suicide, a desire to escape emotional pain or unbearable circumstances, or a belief that one’s loved ones would be better off without them.

Would a MHFA person need to be full time or is it an added responsibility to their role?

The role of a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) person can vary depending on the specific needs and resources of the workplace. In some cases, organisations may have dedicated full-time MHFA personnel, particularly in larger companies or industries where mental health support is a priority. These individuals may serve as dedicated points of contact for mental health concerns and provide ongoing support and education to employees.
However, in many workplaces, the role of an MHFA person is often an added responsibility to their existing job role. This means that employees may take on the role of an MHFA person in addition to their primary duties. They receive MHFA training to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide initial mental health support, but it is not their sole focus or full-time responsibility.
This approach can be practical and effective, as it allows organisations to have MHFA support available without necessarily requiring dedicated positions or resources solely for that purpose. Employees who take on the MHFA role can serve as points of contact, provide initial support, and guide individuals toward appropriate resources or professional help.
It’s important to ensure that MHFA persons have the necessary time, resources, and support to fulfil their role effectively. This may involve allowing them to allocate time for MHFA-related activities, providing ongoing training and supervision, and ensuring they have access to relevant resources and referrals.

Ultimately, the specific structure and time commitment for MHFA persons will depend on the organisation’s size, needs, and available resources. The goal is to strike a balance between providing mental health support and not overwhelming individuals who take on the MHFA role alongside their other responsibilities.

What is the general role of a Mental Health First Aid Person?

The general role of a mental health first aid (MHFA) person is to provide initial assistance and support to individuals who are experiencing mental health challenges or crises. Just as a physical first aid person provides initial care to someone with a physical injury or illness, a mental health first aid person offers initial aid to someone struggling with mental health issues.

Here are some key aspects of the role of a mental health first aid person:

Recognising signs and symptoms: Mental health first aiders are trained to recognise common signs and symptoms of mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, self-harm, or suicidal ideation. They learn to observe behaviour, listen empathetically, and identify potential risk factors.

• Providing non-judgmental support: Mental health first aiders create a safe and supportive environment for individuals in distress. They listen actively, show empathy, and offer reassurance without passing judgment. They strive to create an atmosphere of trust and understanding.
• Assessing the situation: Mental health first aiders assess the person’s immediate needs and any potential risks involved. They determine whether the situation requires immediate action or if it can be managed through support and assistance.
• Offering practical help: Mental health first aiders may offer practical assistance to the person in distress, such as providing information about available mental health resources, encouraging them to seek professional help, or assisting in finding appropriate services in the community.
• Encouraging self-help strategies: Mental health first aiders may provide information about self-help strategies and coping techniques that can support the individual’s mental well-being. They may also encourage the person to engage in self-care activities, seek social support, or practice stress management techniques.
• Promoting professional help: While mental health first aiders are not mental health professionals themselves, they can play a crucial role in encouraging individuals to seek professional help. They may help the person access appropriate mental health services and facilitate the process of connecting with healthcare providers or counsellors.
• Maintaining boundaries: Mental health first aiders understand the importance of maintaining boundaries and confidentiality. They respect the privacy of the individual and ensure that personal information is handled with care and only shared with relevant professionals or services when necessary.

It’s important to note that mental health first aid is not a substitute for professional treatment or therapy. Instead, it aims to provide immediate support, reduce stigma, and guide individuals toward appropriate professional help. Mental health first aid training equips individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to respond effectively to mental health challenges in their communities.

Why have an organisational goal related to the wellbeing of employees

Promoting a culture of well-being, fostering a supportive and healthy work environment that prioritises the well-being of your employees, creating a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to prioritise their physical, mental, and emotional well-being, can all have a huge detrimental affect on the employees and the business.

It can help with:

Employee retention and attraction: Prioritising employee well-being helps create a positive work environment where employees feel valued and supported. This, in turn, can enhance employee satisfaction and engagement, leading to higher retention rates. Additionally, a focus on well-being can also attract top talent who are increasingly seeking organisations that prioritise employee health and work-life balance.

It helps with:

Improving productivity and performance: When employees are physically and mentally healthy, they are more likely to perform at their best. Well-being initiatives, such as promoting work-life balance, providing access to mental health resources such as counselling or holistic therapies like tapping, and offering meditation programmes, can contribute to reduced stress levels, increased energy, and improved focus. This can lead to enhanced productivity, creativity, and overall performance.

Also:

It can improve employee morale and satisfaction: A workplace that values and supports employee well-being creates a positive and inclusive culture. Employees who feel their well-being is a priority are more likely to experience higher levels of job satisfaction and morale. This can foster a sense of loyalty, commitment, and pride in the organisation, leading to increased motivation and willingness to go the extra mile.

Then what about……

Health and safety: Prioritising employee well-being demonstrates a commitment to creating a safe and healthy work environment. By proactively addressing physical and mental health concerns, organisations can reduce workplace injuries, absenteeism, and healthcare costs. This contributes to a safer and more productive workplace overall.

Then there’s…

Having a positive company reputation: Companies that prioritise employee well-being often enjoy a positive reputation among employees, customers, and the wider community. Such organisations are viewed as socially responsible and caring, which can enhance their brand image, attract customers who value ethical practices, and strengthen relationships with stakeholders.

Then of course, there’s….

Legal and regulatory compliance: There are laws and regulations in place and even ‘best practice’ to protect employee well-being, such as occupational health and safety requirements and regulations related to work-life balance. Incorporating an organisational goal related to employee well-being helps ensure compliance with these legal obligations, reducing the risk of legal issues and potential liabilities.

Through comprehensive well-being programs, initiatives and resources, such as Mindfulness; Meditation programmes, access to therapies, offering access to employee assistance programmes, MHFA into the workplace; we strive to enhance employee engagement, satisfaction, and overall quality of life, resulting in improved productivity and retention.”

At the end of the day…

“Prioritising employee well-being cultivates a thriving workforce, enhances engagement and productivity, boosts retention rates, and fosters a positive company culture, ultimately driving organisational success.”

How can tapping help people with PTSD?

EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) tapping is a form of
therapy that involves tapping on specific points on the body
to help reduce stress, anxiety, and negative emotions. It’s
known to help regulate the body’s energy system and reduce the intensity of negative emotions.

Let’s look how this can help those with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder).  PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, combat, sexual assault, or a serious accident. People with PTSD may experience symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, intense anxiety, and avoidance of anything that triggers memories of the trauma.

Studies have shown that EFT tapping can help reduce the symptoms of PTSD. One study published in the Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27889444/ found that veterans with PTSD who received EFT tapping therapy had significant reductions in PTSD symptoms, anxiety, and depression compared to those who received standard care.

The tapping points used in EFT tapping are based on the same energy meridians that are used in acupuncture. However, instead of using needles, the therapy involves tapping on the points with the fingertips while repeating a statement or affirmation related to the issue being addressed.

During an EFT tapping session, I would guide you through a series of tapping exercises while focusing on the traumatic memory or emotion. You would tap on specific acupressure points on your body while repeating a statement or affirmation related to the issue being addressed.

One of the benefits of EFT tapping is that it can be used as a self-help tool, allowing people to manage their PTSD symptoms on their own. With guidance from myself (as a qualified EFT practitioner), individuals can learn how to use EFT tapping to reduce the intensity of their symptoms in the moment and over time.

Overall, it’s becoming a favourable therapy that may help reduce the intensity of PTSD symptoms and improve overall quality of life.

An EFT session for people with PTSD typically involves several steps. Here is a general overview of what a session might look like:

• Establishing rapport: The therapist will first establish rapport with the client and create a safe, non-judgmental space for the session.
• Gathering information: The therapist will ask the client about their PTSD symptoms, their traumatic experience, and any triggers that are currently causing distress.
• Identifying the target: The therapist will work with the client to identify a specific traumatic memory or emotion that is causing the most distress.
• Rating the intensity: The therapist will ask the client to rate the intensity of their distress on a scale from 0-10.
• Tapping: The therapist will guide the client through a series of tapping exercises, in which they will tap on specific acupressure points on the body while repeating a statement or affirmation related to the target issue.
• Re-rating the intensity: After several rounds of tapping, the therapist will ask the client to re-rate the intensity of their distress.
• Repeat: The therapist will continue to guide the client through tapping exercises, repeating steps 5 and 6, until the intensity of distress has decreased to a manageable level.
• Follow-up: The therapist may assign homework or provide additional resources for the client to use between sessions.

 

It’s important to note that every EFT session is unique, and the therapist may tailor the session to the specific needs of the client. The number of sessions required will also depend on the severity of the PTSD symptoms and the individual’s response to treatment.