Mental Health First Aid

12 hour program

Overview

The Mental Health First Aid Program was developed in 2001 at the centre for Mental Health Research at the Australian National University. The program has been well evaluated and found to be effective in improving mental health literacy, reducing stigma and increasing helping behaviours. First Aid is the help given to an injured person before medical treatment can be obtained. Mental Health First Aid is the initial help given to someone experiencing a mental health problem before professional help is sought.

Intended Outcomes

There are many reasons why people need Mental health First Aid training;

• Mental health problems are common
• There is a stigma associated with mental health problems
• Many people do not recognize mental health problems
• Professional help is not always available
• Many people do not know how to help

Course Content

The course covers helping people in mental health crisis situations and/or in the early stages of mental health problems.

Crisis situations covered are:

• Suicidal behaviours
• Acute stress reaction
• Panic attacks
• Acute psychotic behaviour

Mental health problems covered are:

• Depression
• Anxiety disorders
• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar disorder

Participants will learn the signs and symptons of these mental health problems, where and how to get help and what sort of help has been shown by research to be effective. 

Learning Approach

The workshop focuses on active participation of members and involves experiential activities, case scenarios, role plays, vignettes and group discussion.

Handouts and materials

A booklet and handouts will be provided.

More information

Further information can be found at: http://www.adm.monash.edu.au/community-services/mhfa/index.html

See Also

Mental Health First Aid

Information sheet Mental Health First Aid (doc, 27kb)