Mental Health First Aid
Please be aware that the following content may have the potential to trigger some people.
Do you feel equipped to manage mental health crisis at work or in your personal life?
Would you know what signs might indicate that someone you know was experiencing suicidal thoughts, an episode of paranoid delusion or an anxiety attack?
Mental Health First Aid training is an invaluable resource in managing some of these emergencies.
Mental Health issues are common and on the increase in our community.
Two out of five Australians will experience mental illness in their lifetimes and 15% of Australians report very high levels of psychological distress[i].
While many mental illnesses are manageable, some instances may require an acute response from those near someone who is struggling.
The right responses to panic attacks, suicidal behavior, psychosis and other mental health crisis’ may be lifesaving.
Teachers and support staff are uniquely placed to pick up on the mental health struggles of people in their community, especially that of students.
Mental Health First Aid training can prepare us to identify and help someone in acute mental health crisis. With the high instance of mental health issues present today this training is a very relevant and important course for all school staff to undertake.
Please consider suggesting Mental Health First Aid as a high priority professional development opportunity in your work place.
Contact our office if you require any assistance with leave or your Enterprise Agreement entitlements – 8410 0122 or email: enquiries@ieusa.org.au
Lou Vodic
Organiser. Pre-service Teacher Coordinator.
Links:
Mental Health First Aid Australia: mhfa.com.au
Mental Health Triage Service (24/7) 13 14 65
Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7) lifeline.org.au/crisischat
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 kidshelp.com.au
Beyond Blue: Beyondblue.org.au
[i] Australian Bureau of Statistics (8 December 2021), First insights from the National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, 2020-21, ABS Website, accessed 9 February 2023.
