MHFA 

MHFA Sally Trembath Manager, Mental Health & Safer Community Programs Health Wellbeing & Development

Aims of introducing Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) at Monash Reducing stigma associated with mental health Increasing mental health literacy and confidence in order to reduce anxiety when dealing with mental health issues Promoting pro-active andearly intervention strategies  Building capacity to respond in crisis situations Promoting culture of care and safer community

Summary of Feedback Overall themes Change in behaviour Early interventions Improved communication Improved workplace outcomes Change in attitude Reducing stigma Building capacity

Tracking these aims …Survey Monkey demographics

Changing attitudeSince completing MHFA, do you believe you are:n = 141

Changing attitudeSince completing MHFA, what action(s) have you taken to assist someone? Listening non judgmentallyn =122 Provided advice and reassurancen = 100 Called CAT teamn = 9 Educated someone about mental healthn = 54

Feedback from respondents Reducing stigma & building capacity • Avoid engaging in mental debate with those having a mental health illness. • Increased awareness has helped boost my confidence and tips about how to communicate and respond have helped. • Very positive experience, will be useful in my role as a First Aid/Safety Officer and in my life outside of work. • I have changed my approach to people since the workshop. I am much more understanding of those with depression and anxiety. • Has given me practical advice for dealing with people who suffer from mental illness.

Change in behaviourQ: Since completing MHFA, have you done anything differently to help others?

Change in behaviourQ: Since completing MHFA, have you helped someone with:

Change in behaviourQ:Since completing MHFA, what action(s) have you taken to assist someone?

Feedback from respondents Early interventions, Improved communication & workplace outcomes • Helped to have strategies for dealing with panic attacks – I actually helped someone while they were having an attack. • I had to call a CAT team and I was more confident in dealing with them because of the training. • I dealt with a student suffering severe depression, including being suicidal and was able to convince them to see a professional. • A staff member was suffering an anxiety attack and after having attended the workshop I was able to suggest methods of getting them through the anxiety episode. • As a member of the Halls of Residence, I have found MHFA to be the single most beneficial professional development activity I have ever participated in.

Q. Have you done anything differently to improve your own mental health? (n=145) 43% answered Yes Comments: • I exercised more, went to a doctor & psychologist • I’m far more mindful of negative mental behaviour on my behalf • I’ve seen a counsellor & improved my mental health • I make sure I get 30 mins exercise a day – usually walking my dogs • I sought assistance for depression whereas I wouldn’t want to admit it previously & the ultimate I’m keeping mood notes, more regular exercise, yoga & pilates, more time with friends & family, less workload, more time at home relaxing, gone on a short holiday interstate

Reducing staff stressTestimonial I feel more able to deal with any unexpected mental health problems that I may be confronted with in my daily working with students. Coming to work in the morning is less stressful because I know that when there is a problem I will be able to help in a constructive and safe manner. I have recommended to my colleagues that they should attend the course as well.

General concerns and recommendations… • MHFA is a fair introduction into mental health but it only scrapes the surface. I worry that it may make the trainees feel overly confident in dealing with people who have mental health issues that are not as mild as those portrayed in the training. • Very useful and I think all those dealing with students should attend this program. Further, it might be useful to run a refresher program (half day) each year for those who have done it. • Whilst MHFA is valuable, I have found getting management to understand and acknowledge things is the greatest challenge. … The failure to acknowledge changing situations and symptoms seems to be common and managers being older or more experienced overrides their willingness to listen to the advice of a mental health first aider.

SOCIAL AND ACADEMIC FUNCTIONING (SAF) SCALE Adapted from Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) Scale – DSM IV

INTRODUCING COMMUNITY CARE-LINECommunity Care-line: 990 51599Email: communitycare@adm.monash.edu.au Community Care-line is not an emergency response. For emergency response phone security on ext 333 Community Care-line is a new service providing a central point of enquiry by phone or email to Community Care staff who will provide advice and support for managing concerning or threatening behaviour and situationswithin the Monash University community. Students and staff are encouraged to ask for assistance if they: Feel threatened or unsafe Have concerns about someone else’s behaviour Are worried about someone harming themselves or someone else Wish to clarify issues of responsibility, confidentiality or duty of care

INTRODUCING COMMUNITY CARE-LINECommunity Care-line: 990 51599Email: communitycare@adm.monash.edu.au The Co-ordinator Community Care programs will provide leadership and support at all stages of responding to complex and sensitive situations. At all times the welfare of both the individual and the Monash community will be considered and all recommended action will be in accordance with university statutes and policies. Community care drop-in times for your campus in HWD

Future directions … • Tutor training • MHFA for students • Speakers on mental health issues during mental health week • Health Wellbeing & Development webpage MHFA@Monash

MHFA 

MHFA 

Presentation Transcript

MHFA 2-Day Course for chances4change projects