IN AUSTRALIA, MENTAL HEALTH
IS A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH
WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID?
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a concept that a lot of people haven’t heard of before and we frequently get asked, “What is it?”.
Just like traditional first aid courses, our participants learn a range of skills and, with that, gain the confidence to deal with a variety of mental health first aid situations. MHFA situations include when a person begins developing a mental health problem, when they are experiencing a worsening of existing mental health problem, or when they are having a mental health crisis.
The concept of MHFA was developed in 2000 in Australia and since then, over 1 000 000 Australians have been empowered to save lives.
DEVELOPING MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS
Noticing signs and symptoms in a work colleague or a friend, and having that first conversation.
WORSENING MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS
A support role for somebody you know that has a mental health illness.
MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS
Having similar conversations that crisis support organisations, like Lifeline, might have.
THE IMPACT OF MENTAL ILLNESS IN AUSTRALIA
OVER 65,000 AUSTRALIANS MAKE A SUICIDE ATTEMPT EVERY YEAR, WITH MORE THAN 3,000 AUSTRALIANS DYING BY SUICIDE IN 2021
- Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians between 15 and 44 years of age1
- Young Australians are more likely to take their own life than die in motor vehicle accidents
- In 2021, about 75% of people who died by suicide were males and 25% were females1
- In 2021, the median age of death by suicide in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples was 30.2 years1
- In 2018, mental illness was the third largest burden of disease in Australia, and the largest burden of disease for young people 15-44 years old2
1. ‘Causes of Death’, 19 Oct 2022, Australian Bureau of Statistics, https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/causes-death
2. 'Burden of Disease', 2018, Australian Institute of Health and Wellness, https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports-data/health-conditions-disability-deaths/burden-of-disease/overview
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?
Our courses teach participants about the signs and symptoms of common mental health problems, how to be a first responder and how to advise on further resources and help. As an accredited Mental Health First Aider, you will be able to:
- Recognise signs and symptoms for a range of mental health problems.
- Use the proven MHFA Action Plan, ALGEE.
- Listen non-judgementally and hold supportive conversations.
- Understand important factors affecting mental health.
- Encourage and support a person in seeking appropriate professional help and other supports.
- Be a part of a mentally healthy workplace.
WHY COMPLETE AN MHFA COURSE?
CONFIDENCE TO HELP
Learn the knowledge and skills to offer first aid for a mental health problem.
ACTION PLAN
Learn the ALGEE Action Plan and be equipped to help an individual with a mental health problem.
GLOBAL COMMUNITY
Join a global community at the forefront of mental health.
EVIDENCE-BASED
MHFA courses are evidence based and go through a process of continuous evaluation.
BECOME A
FIRST RESPONDER
RECOGNISE SIGNS
AND SYMPTOMS
BE PART OF
THE SOLUTION
HARNESS THE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS TO SAVE A LIFE.
Chris managed the group well and responded to all questions and discussions with openness. I believe this course is applicable to all workplaces and personal situations and would be beneficial everyone.”
