Why Is A Mental Health First Aid Course Important At Work?

A mental health first aid course is vital because mental health does not discriminate; it affects us all. And the workspace is no exception. But what makes a mental health first aid course so important? In this article, we will begin by stipulating what an MHFA (Mental Health First Aid Couse) is before we examine some practical benefits of a mental health first aid course in the workspace, including the advantages for both the employee and employer. This will be an excellent introductory article on the Mental Health First Aid Course for those interested.

At EMCARE, we pride ourselves on turning everyday citizens into helpful emergency first responders. Although most of our courses deal with the practical application of first aid, we understand and encourage using mental health first aid techniques to provide people with the help they need, especially in the workplace, where poor mental health can be very prevalent.

What Is Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), And Why is it Important?

Mental health first aiders are trained to identify the early signs of mental health issues and provide initial support. A mental health first aider can provide basic assistance to people exhibiting early signs of poor mental health in a similar way that physical first aiders offer service and help individuals with physical ill-health. A mental health first aider, like any other first aider, should look to refer victims or patients to professionals after providing introductory help.

A mental health first aid course was designed in such a way as to give members of the public the necessary skills and confidence to support someone else who is currently developing a mental health problem or is experiencing a mental health crisis. A Mental health first aid course is essential for the following reasons:

• Assists in breaking down the stigma that surrounds mental health.
  
  
• Teaches individuals to recognise the symptoms and signs of common mental health problems.
  
  
• Provides people with the necessary confidence and skills to provide initial support and assistance to someone who is either developing or experiencing a mental health problem.
  
  
• Teaches individuals how to signpost other people towards professional help.

The Importance Of Mental Health Awareness In The Workspace

Someone who has done a mental health first aid course in your office can be highly beneficial in a modern workplace where the stress of performing can be continual. With work-related stress being one of the biggest causes of sick days in many countries, businesses must do everything possible to support their employees' mental well-being.

A mental health first aid course can provide invaluable support to employees struggling with mental health problems. They help create a more understanding and open culture around mental health within the workplace. Mental health first aiders are also trained to signpost employees for the necessary help. Businesses should encourage participation in mental health first aid courses to assist in the following areas:

• Assists employees in identifying when a colleague is experiencing or developing a mental health problem.
  
  
• Allows employees to improve their mental well-being and how to try and avoid poor mental health.
  
  
• Reduces presenteeism, absenteeism, and any relevant costs.
  
  
• Gives employees the necessary skills and confidence to discuss mental health.
  
  
• Encourages employees to signpost their colleagues towards professional assistance.

Employee Benefits Of Mental Health Awareness At Work

Suppose an employee is experiencing a mental health problem or has experienced mental illness. In that case, speaking openly about it with their employer can sometimes be tricky.

A Mental health first aid course can be especially beneficial for employees as it provides them with the skills which allow them to feel confident so that they can have open conversations about mental health, which can encourage others to feel like they too can have these conversations openly about their mental health problems. Further employee benefits are:

• Reduced stress
  
  
• Improved team working
  
  
• Greater job satisfaction
  
  
• Increased resilience
  
  
• Higher confidence levels

Overall, the mental health first aid course provides a sense of support and community for employees, which can benefit employees currently experiencing an issue with their mental health. A mental health first aid course also provides so many businesses with an understanding of how to support their employees who are experiencing a mental health crisis. This is a vital skill to have.

The Impact Of Mental Health On Business

Mental health issues within businesses have been estimated to cost billions of Rands annually in absenteeism and reduced productivity. Additionally, over 70 million workdays are lost yearly due to depression, stress and anxiety.

Mental health issues can also lead to increased staff turnover, as employees who experience unsupported poor mental health are more likely to take more time off or quit altogether. Individuals who experience mental health issues may struggle to balance their personal and working lives. They may struggle to focus or concentrate on their work if they do not get the proper support.

Furthermore, mental health first aid course training can assist businesses in decreasing costs by:

• Assisting employees in identifying when one of their colleagues is developing a mental health issue and can signpost them to the proper support before the problem snowballs into a more permanent issue.
  
  
• Enabling employee well-being and, in turn, helping improve their performances.
  
  
• Decreases presenteeism and absenteeism.
  
  
• Improving staff morale, retention, and motivation.

Who Should Train For Mental Health First Aid Course?

Anyone can train and provide mental health support within the workplace. It is recommended that employees at all levels, including:

• Managers and Supervisors
  Training your leadership teams can be highly beneficial in promoting a mentally healthy workplace. Not only will they be able to support their employees, but they will also be role models for other people and can be change champions within the organisation.
  
  
• Human Resources Staff
  
  
• Employee Assistance Program Staff

About EMCARE

EMCARE is a well-trusted health and safety training company located in South Africa. We have many established sites set up all across the country. All of them are fully equipped to provide our students with the best training to become effective first aid responders, whether trained as health and safety officers, a firefighter, or even paramedics. We care deeply about mental health safety, and our mission is to help our trainees handle a wide range of emergencies, which includes training to help assist with primary mental health first aid care. To start your first aid course, visit your nearest EMCARE today!