Kays Medical partner with The University of Bedfordshire
World Mental Health Day 2022
The World Health Organisation recognises World Mental Health Day on the 10th of October every year. This year’s theme, set by the World Federation for Mental Health is to ‘Make mental health and well-being for all a global priority.’
World Mental Health Day is also a chance to talk about mental health in general, how we need to look after it, and get help if we are struggling. At Kays Medical we believe in promoting positive mental health in the workplace. One of the many training courses we offer is Mental Health First Aid which teaches people how to identify, understand and help someone who may be experiencing a mental health issue.
Is Mental Health First Aid as important as Physical First Aid?
In the workplace, it is a legal requirement for an employer to have a trained first aider to deal with any physical problems that may arise with employees. Physical first aid has become embedded into our psyche; we know the principles of first aid, how to recognise illness and how to contact emergency services if necessary.
Mental Health First Aid is no different! It aims to make sure people receive the correct treatment, limit further damage and protect against loss of life in a crisis. Developed and launched in England in 2006 by the National Institute of Mental Health, MHFA was designed to improve the nation’s approach to mental health.
Is Mental Health Training as necessary as Physical First Aid?
Mental health doesn’t discriminate, it can hit any one of us in the same way physical health can. Did you know that suicide is the single biggest killer of adult males under the age of 45? Or that 1 in 6.8 people experience mental health problems in the workplace? Recent figures also suggest that 12.7% of all sickness absence days in the UK can be attributed to mental health conditions.
With statistics such as this publicly available it may be surprising that Mental Health first aid is often overlooked by many businesses. During trying times, work can sometimes be a healthy distraction. However often perceived stigma or fear of discrimination can cause individuals to disguise symptoms, resulting in delayed support and worsening of symptoms.
Ask yourself, would you or any of your colleagues know what to do if somebody in your workplace was suffering from a mental health problem? Mental Health first aid helps to spot early warning signs in someone who is struggling and takes preventative measures to ensure their condition does not deteriorate. It teaches technical skills to spot the signs of someone suffering from mental ill health and provides support to ensure their condition does not deteriorate.
What does a Mental Health First Aider do?
In general, a Mental Health First Aiders’ role in the workplace is to be the first point of contact for those dealing with a mental health issue. They are someone that colleagues can speak to whenever they are struggling to provide support and guidance. They also promote positive mental health and well-being as well as working to reduce stigmas and achieve positive change.
However, it is important to remember that Mental Health First Aiders are not psychologists or counselors therefore cannot clinically diagnose a mental health issue. Their role is to identify symptoms and causes and suggest ways that these can be resolved.
What are the advantages of Mental Health First Aid?
Becoming a Mental Health First Aider allows professionals and non-professionals to gain a deeper understanding of the causes, symptoms, and treatments of mental health problems.
Advantages of becoming a Mental Health First Aider include:
• Gaining mental health knowledge allows early warning signs of poor mental health to become more detectable.
• Provides a better understanding of how mental illness can affect a person’s life.
• It can help to reduce the stigma of mental illness in the workplace
• Gives staff confidence when helping those who are suffering.
• Increases awareness about mental health, reducing stigma and nurturing a positive working environment.
Disadvantages of becoming a Mental Health First Aider include:
• Being a Mental Health First Aider doesn’t qualify you as a therapist
• Becoming a Mental Health First Aider can impact your Mental Health – whilst being there to provide support is important it is also important to set boundaries.
At Kays Medical we offer a variety of Mental Health First Aid courses. Mental Health can have a direct impact on staff turnover, and absenteeism. We are strong advocates for creating a positive working environment, where mental health is destigmatised. For more information on available courses visit our Mental Health First Aid page or contact our friendly team at marketing@kaysmedical.com or call 0151 482 2850
If you require,mental health support there are a range of services available please see below:
0300 123 3393
Call 116 123
03444 775 774
Text Service: 07537 416 905