It isn’t too far of a chance to see quotes describing the futility of life or cries of help over social media. But, a lot of us would probably shrug it off as attention-seeking even if it’s the first signs of depression. Unfortunately, a good portion of the public remains ignorant of mental health or have false preconceptions about mental illnesses. Mental health first aid aims to change that.

What is Mental Health First Aid
Mental health first aid is an eight-hour course that teaches individuals on how to deal with people who have mental illnesses. It aims to reduce stigma, deter suicide, and improve mental health. Many countries and organizations have been steadily promoting this training course and asking significant individuals to partake in it.

Classes of mental health first aid are typically taught in small groups by a competent individual. The course is expected to teach its participants of the following:

•    Knowledge of risk factors and warning signs of self-harm or suicide

•    General information about common mental health disorders

•    Five-step plan on how to deal with a mental health crisis

•    Locations on where to get professional help

The wonders of mental health first aid
Mental health first aid programs have been doing wonders not only to its participants but also to the impacted communities.

A research study of the University of Melbourne shows that participants of Mental Health First Aid programs have a better understanding of mental illnesses and their treatments. They also have better confidence in dealing with a crisis, improved mental health, and less stigmatization of people with mental disorders.

On the side of the community, mental health first aid programs are being used to empower those who are mentally ill.

Organizations like Mental Health First Aid (MFHA) England are promoting this program where it is extremely relevant: schools. Their Youth MFHA in Schools Programme aims to equip one teacher or staff in state secondary schools of Mental Health First Aid. The UK government supports these by providing 3000 venues and asking 1,000 teachers to attend the programs.

On the other hand, companies like Norton Rose Fullbright are taking huge steps to promote mental health matters in the workplace. They have trained 20 of their American employees with mental health first aid, so they can help their fellow employees seek help when they need it. 

The number of mental health first aid practitioners are growing

According to the National Council for Behavioral Health, one million people are now competent enough to support others suffering from mental disorders. And it is all thanks to Mental Health First Aid programs. However, that is only the beginning, says Linda Rosenberg, CEO of the National Council for Behavioral Health.

There is a glimmer of hope in the future that Mental health first aid programs become accessible to more and more people. Linda Rosenberg aims to make the knowledge of mental health first aid as common as knowing how to do CPR.

References: 
http://www.fortmorgantimes.com/fort-morgan-local-news/ci_31271996/two-student-suicides-two-days-both-following-social
https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/take-a-course/
https://www.thenationalcouncil.org/about/mental-health-first-aid/
https://www.thenationalcouncil.org/about/mental-health-first-aid/mental-health-first-aid-legislative-activity/
https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/2017/05/one-million-people-trained-mental-health-first-aid-nationwide-2/
https://mhfaengland.org/mhfa-centre/news/1be6dfdd-115b-e711-8107-e0071b668081/
https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/2017/05/mental-health-first-aid-work/
https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/external/2017/08/youth-mental-health-first-aid-adds-foster-care-focus/
http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/DocServer/MHFA_Evidence.pdf?docID=820

Contributed by: Allison Julianne Macasaet
She is a freelance writer on the side, a student of international relations on the other. Interests include fantasy books, international relations, and lifestyle.