Mental Health First Aid Course

Introduction

First Aid for Life and Maudsley Learning are delighted to have worked in collaboration to bring this enhanced Mental Health First Aid course to you. The Maudsley is the largest mental health training institution in the UK and their expertise in this area is second to none. This course is continually updated by experts in mental health and offers clear, practical advice to help you gain a better understanding of how to help yourself or others to achieve optimum mental health.

About This Course

This Mental Health First Aid training course will teach you how to recognise warning signs of mental ill health and help you develop the skills and confidence to approach and support someone, whilst keeping yourself safe. You will learn to develop resilience, explore new ways to cope with stress, improve sleep habits and access a wealth of resources to confidently support someone struggling with their mental health.

This online course provides the knowledge to spot specific warning signs that an adult or child could be struggling with a mental health condition. It explains how to initiate supportive conversations, encourage healthier lifestyle choices and access further help where needed.

Who Is This Course For?

• Individuals needing additional help and guidance to support their own mental well-being
• Workplaces introducing positive mental health practices
• Teachers and support staff
• Friends, family and colleagues wanting more information on this vital topic

The Importance of Mental Health First Aid

Around 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health condition at some point in their lives. 1 in 6 employees experience common mental health problems in the workplace. Businesses that support mental health foster more positive and productive working environments.

Despite campaigns and awareness, stigma and fear of discrimination still exist. This course aims to demystify mental health, reduce stigma and empower workplaces, families and communities to provide essential support.

Workplace Guidance

The HSE has issued guidance recommending that first aid needs assessments should also consider whether it is beneficial to have personnel trained to identify and understand symptoms and support those experiencing mental health issues.

Scope of the Course

This course does not train participants to diagnose or treat mental health conditions, which should only be done by healthcare professionals. Instead, it equips learners to identify signs of mental health struggles, support appropriately, and signpost to professional resources.

Disclaimer

It is impossible to cover all eventualities within this course or equip you with all knowledge and skills to diagnose and treat unpredictable real-life situations. If you suspect serious illness or injury, always seek immediate professional medical advice.

The author has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information, however this course is a guide and the author does not accept liability for inaccuracies or misdiagnosis.

Author

The course material has been written by Emma Hammett, Qualified Nurse, First Aid Trainer and founder of First Aid for Life, in conjunction with medical and health professionals from Maudsley Learning. For queries, please contact: emma@firstaidforlife.org.uk .

Course Contents

A First Aid Approach to Mental Health

• Role of the First Aider
• What is a Mental Health First Aider?
• Common Treatments and Sources of Help
• Other Professionals Who Can Help
• The Importance of Getting Help Early

Understanding More About Mental Health

• What is Mental Health?
• The Definition of Mental Health
• The Mental Health Continuum
• Laws Protecting Our Health, Mental Health and Well-being

Understanding Stigma

• Who Becomes Mentally Ill?
• How Common are Mental Health Issues?
• Stigma

Approaching During a Crisis

• When Should You Approach?
• How to Help
• Caring for Yourself as a Mental Health First Aider

Awareness of Mental Health Problems

• Situations to be Aware Of
• Signs Someone May be Struggling with their Mental Health

Stress

• About Stress
• Work-Related Stress
• Ways to Reduce Stress

Building Resilience

Insomnia

• What is Insomnia?
• Helpful Steps to Improve Your Sleep

Substance Abuse: Drugs and Alcohol

• About Substance Abuse
• The Dangers of Substance Abuse
• Online Drug Addiction and Misuse
• Helping Someone You Think Has Problems with Drug or Alcohol Misuse
• Alcohol Poisoning First Aid
• Dealing with Tricky or Aggressive Situations due to Drugs and Alcohol
• Substance Abuse Resources

Anxiety Disorders

• About Anxiety Disorders
• Different Kinds of Anxiety Disorder
• Panic Attacks
• First Aid for a Panic Attack
• Post-Traumatic Stress
• Useful Contacts for Anxiety

Eating Disorders

• About Eating Disorders
• What to Do
• Treatment for Eating Disorders

Depression

• About Depression
• Recognising the Signs that Someone may be Depressed
• Treating Depression
• Medicating Depression
• Helping Someone who is Depressed
• Resources for Depression

Self Harm

• About Self-Harm
• How to Help
• Resources for Self-Harming

Suicide

• Approaching Someone You Suspect to be Suicidal
• What to Do if the Person is in a Life-Threatening Condition
• Support for People Experiencing Suicidal Thoughts
• What is Suicide?

Psychosis

• What is Psychosis?
• What Causes Psychosis?
• How to Help
• Possible Signs of Psychosis
• Resources for Psychosis

Personality Disorders

• About Personality Disorders
• Bipolar Disorder
• Schizophrenia

Mental Health in the Workplace and Useful Resources

• Employer Responsibility
• Stress Policy
• Tackling Work-Related Stress Using the Management Standards Approach
• An Employee Assessment of Common Stress Factors
• Management Standards Form
• Useful Resources

Final Quiz