This course has been developed in conjunction with Paediatric specialist clinicians from the Maudsley hospital and Maudsley Learning. It has been written for family, friends, school staff, college staff, carers, youth workers, children and young people wanting to be more confident supporting others with their mental health.
With specific additional components covering ADHD, Autism, supportive approaches to challenging behaviour, eating disorders, anxiety, suicidal thoughts and much more.
This mental health first aid course will help you recognise warning signs of mental ill health and equip you with skills and confidence to assist a child or young person you believe to be in need of support. In addition the course will give you vital tips on achieving optimum mental health and will give you skills to develop resilience, learn new ways to cope with stress, advise on sleeping better and positive ways you can boost your wellbeing and the mental health of those you care for.
This online qualification will provide you with the knowledge to spot specific warning signs that an adult, child or young person could be struggling with a mental health condition, it explains how to initiate a supportive conversation, explore healthier lifestyle choices and links to the wealth of additional support available if someone needs further help.
Ideal 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, for teachers and support staff and friends, family and colleagues wanting more information on this vital topic
It is estimated that around 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health condition at some point in their lives.
Around 20% of adolescents experience a mental health problem in any given year.
50% of mental health problems are established by age 14 and 75% by age 24.
It is vital that more people have the skills and understanding to identify that someone may be struggling and the knowledge and resources to signpost them to professionals who can give them the help they need.
The scope of this mental health first aid course is not learn to diagnose or treat mental health conditions as this should only be done by appropriately trained healthcare professionals. However, you will be guided in identifying signs someone might be struggling and we will equip you with a methodology to appropriately support them and a directory of people where you can signpost them for help.
It is impossible to cover all eventualities within this 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.
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:
What is mental health?
The mental health continuum
How common are mental health issues?
Laws protecting our health, mental health and well-being
Understanding more about mental health
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
Approaching during a crisis:
Being a Mental Health First Aider and caring for yourself:
Stress - at home, school, or further education
Self-help to reduce the impact of stress
School/outside related stress
Building resilience
Insomnia
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 alcohol
Anxiety Disorders
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Depression
Self-harm
Eating Disorders
Suicide
Psychosis
Autism and ADHD
Understanding personality disorders
Understanding Bi-Polar Disorder
Understanding Schizophrenia
Mental Health for Young People - Useful Resources