#MHAW23 - Mental Health First Aider Q&A Article with Nigel Green

This month, we conducted a Mental Health Q&A session with Nigel Green, Quality Engineer at Atkore Unistrut & Atkore Marco.

Q1. Nigel, why did you become a Mental Health First Aider?

I have always been available for anyone to come and talk to in confidence (which has probably come from 20yrs+ service shopfloor and Office), and this seemed the natural next step but it also gave me the qualifications and know how of when to listen.

Q2. What did you learn during your Mental Health First Aider course?

The ability to just sit and listen to any problem is massive, it gives the person you are with the feeling that they are the most important person in the room and they are not being ignored. The biggest difference from being a mental health first aider and a first aid responder is that the wounds you are helping to treat are internal and sometimes the best help is just to listen.

Q3. Can you explain what your roles and responsibilities are as a Mental Health First Aider?

To be available to listen to people impartially and confidentially and to be able to offer advice in what the next steps are along the way to recovery or being yourself again.

Q4. If someone would like to become a Mental Health First Aider, what advice would you give to them?

Go for it, it’s a very rewarding thing to do, to have that level of trust where people feel they can safely talk to you and not be judged. It’s ok to not be ok!

Q5. In your opinion, what factors can affect our mental health?

Mental health can be affected by anything from work life stress / worry over money to having someone in your life who is not well and you feel helpless. Regular sleeping patterns help relieve stress and lowering the intake of Alcohol can help you think more clearly.

Q6. Do you have any tips on maintaining a positive mindset?

Try to think of three positive things that you have achieved through the day however insignificant they may be. Small steps lead to big things! Set aside 30-45 mins each evening where you can relax and unwind to relieve the days stress.

Q7. What key skills do you need to support an individual with poor mental health, including where to signpost them and how to have important wellbeing conversations?

The ability to sit and listen without judgement is huge to anyone that comes for help, make them feel wanted. Turn off your phone so you cannot be disturbed, this shows them that you are here for them. Let the silences between you carry on, when they are ready to talk they will and they will appreciate the feeling that you took time out of your day for them.

If anyone comes to me for a chat I take them to the first aid room as it is a safe place where we will not be disturbed and they can speak freely and openly about the issues they are experiencing.

I also try and touch base with people as I am doing my daily job by asking if people are ok when I pass them by.