Mental Health First Aid - My Experience
Guest blog by Aasha Garway
I became a Mental Health First Aider because it fits with my personal mission - to help people spot the signs and symptoms of mental ill health in themselves and in others. I have always been interested in mental and emotional health and how it affects people. Working with wellbeing issues every day, I realised that I wanted to build my skills in dealing with sensitive issues.
This means taking early action to address the issues in the workplace, home or anywhere else. I learnt many life-altering techniques to help people recover and stay well when they experience severe mental health issues. Delivering MHFA supports also means I am equipping other people with the tools to help keep themselves mentally fit. Ultimately, this means helping people to change lives.
In my current job at Express Medicals PLC as a Result Executive and a Mental Health First Aider, working alongside MHFA England is a great privilege. My aim is to deal with matters sensitively and professionally so that I can really help my colleagues (and others) with regards to any issues they may have in relation to their mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing.
The Mental Health First Aid training and certification has given me the tools to help change the way those around me feel or how they deal with their problems. It’s a two-day training course which teaches people how to identify, understand, and help someone who may be experiencing a poor mental health. The course teaches you how to recognize the warning signs of mental ill health, while also gaining an understanding of how to support positive wellbeing.
I learned so much and left with many practical skills. One that really stood out for me was non-judgmental listening. You never know what someone else is going through. Sometimes, the most helpful thing you can do is to listen while someone talks through their problem, letting them speak without fear. That, I think, is the number one thing I think everybody should understand about supporting people’s mental and emotional health.
You might know your mind, but do you know you have the right to feel good?
What does this mean for the 1 in 8 of us who have a mental health condition?
It means the right to good quality mental health care and support.
To be included in your community.
To have a voice.
Your mental health is vital and should be respected.
Knowledge is our strength.
We have the power to help those around us. By checking in with your loved ones and friends - whether it’s a text, call, or making plans. It starts with listening.
