Why we need more Mental Health First Aiders in the workplace

The pandemic has caused devastation the world over. From loss and debilitation to bankruptcy. However, the impact on our own mental health crept up on us; the lack of human contact, the abandonment of routines, and the anxiety associated with returning ‘back to normal.’ Not seeing our friends and family has given us a tiny window into what it might feel like to be lonely and how this can lead to depression.

COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of mental health, looking after our wellbeing, and looking out for those around us. Unprecedented times call for extraordinary measures, and many employers feel an overwhelming responsibility to check-in and provide more support than ever before. This past year has undoubtedly accelerated the conversation around mental health, but how can we ensure we continue to prioritise mental wellbeing.

In my sector, technology, the 2020 CIO survey by Harvey Nash revealed around 84 percent of IT leaders said they are concerned about their team's mental health.

Let’s take a look at the wider statistics:

1. 1 in 4 people experience mental health issues each year
2.  At any given time, 1 in 6 working-age adults have symptoms associated with mental ill health
3.  70-75% of people with diagnosable mental illness receive no treatment at all
4. Among the general population, 20.6% of people have had suicidal thoughts
5. Just 30% of line managers have taken part in mental health training.

It is a legal requirement to have traditional First Aiders; however, mental health problems are more common than accidents at work.

A few months back, I decided I wanted to do something to help me, help others. I approached my employer, and we agreed we would start by educating ourselves. I opted to take a course in Mental Health First Aid with an accredited Mental Health England partner.

The four-day programme is not about being able to diagnose people or providing therapy. It’s designed to give you a better understanding of mental health and the tools that can support you and other people. A Mental First Aider is the step before the intervention, which could mean the person seeks professional help, which they may not have done otherwise. You’re coached on how to listen, reassure and respond, and potentially stop a crisis from happening. As well as presentations, there are several group exercises and reflection time.

Mental Health First Aiders are trained to:

• Understand the important factors affecting mental ill-health
•  Identify the signs and symptoms for a range of mental health conditions
• Use an action plan to provide mental health first aid to someone experiencing a mental health issue or crisis
• Listen non-judgementally and hold supportive conversations
• Signpost individuals to appropriate professional help and other supports.

The course was packed full of insights around how to spot the signs and provide support. It taught me how to look for changes in behaviour. Is a person more subdued than usual? Are they irritable? Both are warning signs.

Two theories I learnt:

The ‘Stress Container’

?Imagine your ‘stress container’ like a tank of petrol – we all have a different sized container, meaning we can react differently. Some people have more tolerance than others because they have a bigger container. What you experience in life dictates the size of the container. What triggers stress can vary from person to person, and each of us has different coping mechanisms. Listening to others can help them release the pressure from their container.

If the container overflows, we can struggle to cope. It’s important to rely on helpful coping mechanisms that can help us prevent an overflow. You can learn new coping strategies throughout life and discover what works for you; exercise, mindfulness, me time. There are, of course, unhelpful ways of dealing with stress that many of us turn to (alcohol, working long hours), but it’s essential to get that balance.

ALGEE

ALGEE is an acronym that can give you the confidence to approach situations.

1.      Assess for risk of suicide or harm

2.      Listen nonjudgmentally

3.      Give reassurance and information

4.      Encourage appropriate professional help

5.      Encourage self-help and other support strategies

We explored mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, personality disorder, schizophrenia, suicide and many more. The course is centred around helping you and your employer develop an action plan to build a supportive culture. I’ve also acquired an in-depth manual that I can refer to when needed.

Mental Health First Aider training is one of the most important courses I have done in my career to date. It’s given me the confidence to talk about mental health within my organisation. I want to provide a safe environment that will encourage people to open up. I’ve learnt how to approach different situations and when to empower people to seek help.

Moving forward, I’ll be working with Crimson (my employer) to help them develop their wellbeing strategy, which will include regular initiatives, wellbeing ambassadors, and training.  

I’d recommend Mental Health First Aider training to managers and anyone with a confidential ear and caring nature – you can make a real difference.

If you are interested in finding out more about mental health first aid training, visit: www.mhfaengland.org 

I took part in an online programme organised by accredited trainers Flourish Health & Wellbeing | (waystoflourish.com) and Alison Pine Training, who teamed up to deliver the training, email [email protected] or [email protected] for more info.

 For tips on how to prioritise wellbeing in the workplace check out one of our latest blogs.