Why I Trained as a Mental Health First Aider

1. Why I Trained as a Mental Health First Aider Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet many people hesitate to seek help due to stigma, lack of awareness, or fear of judgment. Like physical first aid, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) provides people with the skills to respond to crises effectively. While I initially trained in First Aid and CPR to handle physical emergencies, I realised that knowing how to assist someone struggling with a mental health crisis was equally essential. This led me to explore Mental Health First Aid training and its impact on both workplaces and communities.

2. Understanding Mental Health First Aid Mental Health First Aid teaches individuals to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health challenges such as: Anxiety & depression Substance abuse issues Panic attacks Suicidal thoughts Stress & trauma-related disorders Instead of medical intervention, MHFA equips individuals with supportive listening skills, de-escalation techniques, and guidance on connecting individuals with professional help. The Connection Between MHFA and Standard First Aid Training At Safety Learning, we believe that first aid training should not be limited to physical injuries — mental well-being is just as critical. Our core training programs, such as Provide First Aid (HLTAID011), Provide CPR (HLTAID009), and Basic Life Support (HLTAID010), focus on handling emergencies like cardiac arrests, choking, and severe bleeding. However, many emergencies involve individuals experiencing extreme stress, panic, or trauma. Being trained in mental health first aid allows first responders to offer both physical and emotional support in a crisis. For example: A workplace accident may leave an employee in shock or distress. Knowing how to calm them down is as vital as administering first aid. A person experiencing a panic attack may need assistance in regaining control of their breathing, similar to how CPR helps with breathing difficulties. Childcare First Aid (HLTAID012) focuses on young children who may not be able to express their emotional distress clearly, making mental health support skills invaluable.

3. Why More Workplaces Are Adopting Mental Health First Aid Many businesses now recognise the importance of mental well-being in their employees. Stress, burnout, and anxiety- related disorders are rising, making it crucial for workplaces to: Recognise early signs of mental distress Offer immediate support Reduce stigma around mental health conversations Improve overall workplace well-being and productivity In industries like construction, where our White Card training is essential, employees often face high-pressure environments. This makes Mental Health First Aid just as critical as traditional first aid training. How First Aid Training Complements Mental Health Preparedness If you’re considering training in Mental Health First Aid, it’s beneficial to combine it with standard first aid courses to be fully prepared for any emergency. At Safety Learning, we offer: Provide CPR (HLTAID009) — Essential for life-threatening situations where breathing or heart function is compromised. Provide First Aid (HLTAID011) — Covers medical emergencies, including burns, fractures, and seisures. Childcare First Aid (HLTAID012) — Focused on handling pediatric emergencies, including childhood trauma responses. Basic Life Support (HLTAID010) — Provides the fundamentals of emergency response, including recognising shock and emotional distress. Manual Handling & White Card Training — Ensuring workplace safety andstress reduction through proper ergonomics and risk awareness.

4. Conclusion: Training as a Mental Health First Aider is an empowering decision that allows you to support others during difficult times. Whether in the workplace, at home, or in the community, these skills can make a significant difference. By combining traditional first aid training with mental health awareness, individuals can become well-rounded responders, capable of addressing both physical injuries and emotional crises. At Safety Learning, we encourage everyone to prioritise both physical and mental well-being through comprehensive training.