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.
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. We help you develop resilience, learn new ways to cope with stress, advise on sleeping better and equip you with a wealth of resources to be able to confidently help someone struggling with their mental health.
This online course will provide 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 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. 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.
Unfortunately, despite recent campaigns and advances, there still remains a level of stigma and fear of discrimination around mental health conditions. Employees and school children may feel that mental health conditions will not be greeted with the same compassionate approach as physical illness. This should not be the case and the purpose of this course is to demystify mental health conditions and empower workplaces, friends and family members to provide the support and signposting desperately needed by those struggling with their mental well-being.
The HSE have embraced the idea of mental health in the workplace and issued the following guidance ‘First aid needs assessment’ for businesses.
They suggest that your first aid needs assessment should also consider whether it is beneficial to have personnel trained to identify and understand symptoms and able to support someone who might be experiencing a mental health issue.
The scope of this mental health first aid course is not to 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 medical and health professionals from Maudsley Learning. If you have any queries concerning this course, 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