What inspired you to become a Mental Health First Aider?

My best friend from Junior school took his own life a few years ago, a colleague of my wife did the same around the same time and both events hit us both hard. I think it was the thought that someone you thought you knew well and could talk to, was really suffering. I wanted to know and learn what could make people feel that there is only one door out of the room available to them. I questioned my own stereotypical views on Mental ill Health and found that the best way to understand and support, family, friends and co-workers was to educate myself.

Can you describe your main responsibilities as a Mental Health First Aider?

My main responsibility as a Mental Health First Aider is to offer someone who is struggling with mental health concerns support and direct them to the right kind of professional assistance. This is obviously not typically the case. My primary duty in most situations is to be there for the person who needs help. By this, I mean to listen and pay attention to what is being said; even a few minutes of attention can make a huge difference for someone who is finding it difficult to look past the unfortunate circumstance they are in.

What training did you go through to become a certified Mental Health First Aider?

To become a certified Mental; Health First Aider (MHFA), I have attended an online course during COVID19 times (remember them) and an in-person course whilst with PME. Both have their merits, but for myself, I much prefer being in the room with others. There were a few role-playing scenarios, which takes you out of your comfort zone completely, but really helps to see what others are going through and how best to help them.

How do you manage your own mental health while supporting others?

It can be easy to become overloaded if you are not careful, that is what makes self-care such an important part of being a MHFA practitioner, looking after yourself not only gives you time out, but it also helps to have focus and energy to help others when required. I have also found that talking to other MHFA practitioners really helps, calling or meeting for a coffee, really, it’s just about staying connected and knowing that if I am struggling, I can turn to them for assistance.

What skills or qualities do you think are essential to be effective in this role?

To be an effective mental health first aider, you need a combination of skills and qualities that enable you to support others compassionately and effectively. I have made a list, as this is how I approach things:

• Active Listening: This involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what the person is saying. It’s about being present and showing genuine interest
• Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. This helps in creating a supportive and non-judgmental environment
• Non-Judgmental Attitude: It’s crucial to approach each situation without bias or preconceived notions, ensuring the person feels safe and respected
• Compassion: Showing kindness and a willingness to help can make a significant difference in someone’s mental health journey
• Calmness: Being able to stay calm and composed, especially in crisis situations, helps in providing effective support
• Good Communication Skills: Clear and effective communication is essential for understanding the needs of the person and providing appropriate support
• Knowledge of Resources: Being aware of the mental health resources available, such as helplines, counselling services, and support groups, so you can guide the person to professional help if needed

How do you encourage colleagues to prioritise their mental health?

I advise individuals that when it comes to their own mental health, they can be selfish. We will all experience difficulties from time to time, therefore, it is beneficial for you and those around you to take the time to care for yourself. Normalising mental health is the best approach to get people to think about their own mental health. We have designated days on the calendar to focus on mental health, but we won’t need them if we talk about it and try to remove the obstacles that stand in the way of understanding.