Many people have heard of mental health first aid, but don’t actually know the benefits it provides and why it is so important in the modern workplace. With World Mental Health Day 2024 approaching, it’s a great time to understand the significance of mental health first aid.
What is Mental Health First Aid?
Firstly, before we answer the question ‘why is mental health first aid important’, let’s delve into what it actually is.
In its most basic definition, mental health first aid (IAMH) is a course that equips people to recognise and respond to signs of mental health issues. They provide initial support and guide individuals towards further support if needed.
It’s important to remember that just as we all have physical health, we all have mental health too. As such, just as you can become qualified in physical first aid, you can become qualified in mental health first aid too.
The Importance of Mental Health First Aid at Work
If you were to suffer a physical injury at work, the first point of call would be your first aider. The same should apply to the mental health of your staff.
It’s estimated that most employees will spend one-third of their adult life at work. Therefore, it is crucial that mental health first aid is part of your overall wellbeing strategy.
Prevention
Mental health first aid plays a pivotal role in the prevention of mental health issues in the workplace. By training employees to recognise the early signs, organisations can intervene before these issues escalate.
Early intervention is key to preventing more severe mental health problems, which can lead to prolonged absences and decreased productivity.
With IAMH, the focus shifts from reactive to proactive care, addressing concerns before they become crises.
Culture
IAMH also helps to create a safer and more supportive working environment. Employees who know that their workplace prioritises mental health are more likely to reach out for help early, rather than letting their issues fester in silence.
This openness can prevent the isolation and stress that often accompany untreated mental health problems, ultimately reducing the risk of burnout and ensuring that staff can perform at their best.
Stigma
Furthermore, by embedding mental health first aid into the workplace culture, companies can reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.
When employees see that mental health is treated with the same importance as physical health, they are more likely to speak up and seek support, fostering a workplace where prevention is a shared responsibility.
This not only helps individuals but also contributes to a healthier, more resilient workforce, capable of thriving in the face of challenges.
First Aid for Mental Health with IAMH
It’s easy to implement first aid for mental health with IAMH. The course content is 16 hours and can either be delivered over two days or four half-days.
We offer full flexibility and so our mental health first aid course can be delivered both in-person and online via MS Teams or Zoom.
IAMH is proud to be fully accredited by the International Institute of Risk & Safety Management (IIRSM) and available in all countries and languages.
It’s recommended that your mental health first aid trained employees refresh their training every three years and this can be done via our refresher course.
How can I book a course?
At IAMH, we offer mental health first aid on a global scale. If your organisation is looking to have employees qualified in mental health first aid, then look no further.
We’ve established why mental health first aid is important, so all that’s left to do is get your course booked.
Find out more by visiting our specific course page or book a call with our team to find out more. Alternatively, reach out to us via live chat.
