Mental Health Awareness Course

Course Overview

This mental health awareness course will help you to support yourself and others in maintaining good mental health and assist you in recognising warning signs of mental ill health in yourself and others.

This short introduction to mental health awareness will equip you with 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 a supportive conversation, explore healthier lifestyle choices, and provides links to a wealth of additional support if someone needs further help.

Who is this course for?

Ideal as an introduction for individuals needing additional help and guidance to support their mental well-being, for those looking to introduce positive mental health practices to their workplaces, and for teachers, support staff, friends, family and colleagues wanting more information on this vital topic.

Progression

For those wanting a more in-depth course please have a look at our 8-hour Mental Health First Aid Course. This course covers each area in far more depth, encompasses more topics, and offers more substantive information around various mental illnesses and help available.

Why Mental Health Awareness Matters

It is estimated that around 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health condition at some point in their lives. For many, work is a major source of stress. 1 in 6 employees experience common mental health problems in the workplace. Businesses can support people with their mental health and create more positive and productive working environments as a result.

Important Notes

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

The Author has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information contained within the course. However, this course is merely a guide and the Author does not accept any liability or responsibility for any inaccuracies or for any mistreatment or misdiagnosis of any person, however caused.

Authorship

The course material has been written by Emma Hammett, Qualified Nurse, First Aid Trainer and founder of First Aid for Life, in conjunction with other medical and first aid professionals. If you have any queries concerning this course, please contact emma@firstaidforlife.org.uk

Course Contents

Introduction

• What is mental health?
• The mental health continuum
• How common are mental health issues?
• Laws protecting our health, mental health and well-being
• Understanding stigma

The Mental Health First Aid Approach

• The first aid approach to mental health
• What is a mental health first aider?
• Common treatments and sources of help
• The importance of getting help early
• The importance of a first aid action plan – CARES

Crisis and Self-Care

• Approaching during a crisis
• Being a Mental Health First Aider and caring for yourself

Stress and Resilience

• Stress – at home, school, further education and in the workplace
• Self-help to reduce the impact of stress
• Work-related stress
• Building resilience

Substance Misuse

• Substance misuse – drugs and alcohol
• Dealing with tricky or aggressive situations due to drugs and alcohol
• First aid for someone who has collapsed from an excess of alcohol

Mental Health Conditions

• Anxiety Disorders
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Depression
• Self-harm
• Eating Disorders
• Suicide
• Psychosis
• Understanding personality disorders
• Understanding Bi-Polar Disorder
• Understanding Schizophrenia

Resources and Assessments

• Useful Resources
• Management Stress Risk Assessment
• Employee Stress Assessment