Supporting the Supporters: The Ongoing Challenge for Mental Health First Aiders
César Gamio
Founder & Managing Director of Dharma Centre for Wellbeing | International Speaker
In my role as a workplace wellbeing consultant, I have had the privilege of meeting thousands of certified mental health first aiders around the world. These individuals, driven by compassion and courage, provide vital support to colleagues facing mental health challenges. But despite their dedication, they often face significant hurdles that are often overlooked.
While many mental health first aiders may not have extensive academic or professional backgrounds in mental health, their willingness to step into this critical role is commendable. However, this leads to a key concern: Are we providing them with the sustained support they need to succeed? The initial training mental health first aiders receive is essential, but mental health is an evolving field, and ongoing support is crucial.
Research shows that continuous training and development are vital for mental health first aiders to maintain their skills. A study from MHFA England? highlights that 80% of trained mental health first aiders report the need for ongoing support and development, particularly in handling complex situations like panic attacks or workplace crises . Moreover, without access to regular updates and resources, mental health first aiders can feel unprepared, leading to stress and potential burnout.
When we celebrated Mental Health Awareness last month, it was inspiring to witness a renewed focus on mental wellbeing. However, mental health awareness must extend beyond one month. Supporting mental health first aiders, and mental health initiatives in general, should be a year-round commitment. According to the World Health Organization , global mental health issues continue to rise, with nearly 1 in 5 adults experiencing mental health concerns annually . This reinforces the importance of sustained mental health programs and resources within workplaces.
Now is the time to act. Employers should invest in the ongoing development of their mental health first aiders by offering access to continuous resources, peer networks, and practical tools. A workplace culture that prioritizes mental health year-round benefits not just those in crisis but also the mental health first aiders who play such a crucial role in supporting them.
A final message from me to all the mental health first aiders: Your work is invaluable. Let’s ensure you have the tools, resources, and community support needed to continue doing this essential work—not just today, but every day.
Business Development I M&A I Private Equity I Ex-Big 4 | Founder @ PTSD Corner –empowering employees with PTSD in Corporate Spaces
3 个月Thanks for highlighting an important topic!
Founder BeE3 LabTech & Mining AI Tech & IMSS |Msc Computer Science | Artificial Intelligence | Optimization & Simulation|
3 个月This world is every day more and more crazy and many people don’t stop to think about their style live. Always , We need to have somebody that help us to see better with perspective and this support also need supporters to face with encourage the challenges of this world.
CEO & Founder BeE3 LabTech & Mining AI Tech I Startup & Innovation I Speaker I Women in Tech I Sustainability
3 个月Thanks César Gamio for share us your deeply knowledge about the importance, support and resources about mental health. It’s so important that organization’s Leaders take in account this invaluable knowledge in order to improve the quality live of their teams.
Business Mentor and Managing Director | Trade with Estonia ???? England ?????????????? and Wales ??????????????
3 个月I have Level 3 in Emergency First Aid at Work!
Helping Professionals Thrive Under Pressure ?? | Resilience & Mental Wellness Coach ?? | MHFA Trainer & Corporate Wellness Consultant ?? | Championing Work-Life Balance & Productivity ??
3 个月I completely agree with your points about the vital role mental health first aiders play and the need for ongoing support. These individuals are doing incredible work, but without continuous training and proper resources, they’re at risk of feeling unprepared or burning out. As you said, mental health is an evolving field, and initial training shouldn’t be the end of the story. Too often, mental health support is treated as a tick-box exercise or just "well-being washing"—something companies claim to care about but don’t back up with real, sustained effort. Companies need to demonstrate they care, not just during Mental Health Awareness Month but all year long. Businesses that truly invest in the mental well-being of their employees see the benefits reflected in their bottom line—improved productivity, lower turnover, and a happier, more engaged workforce. Mental health first aiders are essential, and we must ensure they have the ongoing support they deserve to do this vital work well, long-term.