You might consider learning more about mental health if you have employees. This will allow you to better care for your team and create a positive work environment.
What is a Mental Health First Aider?
A mental health first aid is someone who has been trained to help people with mental health issues at work.
Mental health first aids are trained employees who can recognize when colleagues have a mental illness and offer support.
Why is it essential to learn mental health first aid?
According to Mind, at least one-sixth of workers suffer from mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Small business owners continue to be affected by financial difficulties and stressors like the coronavirus pandemic.
With that in mind, it is important to recognize signs of mental illness so you can take care of yourself and your employees. The training will give you the skills to support your employees while working, and it will help you become a champion for mental health in the workplace.
How do you become a mental health aid?
You will need to register for a course with an approved provider if you are interested in becoming a mental first aid or training your employees.
You can take an MHFA England mental health first aid class online or in person. Courses usually last one to two days, depending on what level you require.
Mental Health First Aiders – workplace
Managers need to be aware of the importance of mental health skills
You’ll learn the skills and confidence you need to help someone while still safe.
Courses in mental health first aid include:
- What mental health looks like
- How to recognize signs of mental illness
- How to help someone with mental health issues
- To refer someone who needs support (e.g., the NHS or self-help resources).
- Mental health first aid requires certain behaviors, skills, and qualities.
You will create a mental health first aid action plan and then practice it in various situations, such as how to support an employee with anxiety at work.
Want to learn more? Learn more from Dr. Hazel Harrison, Clinical Psychologist.
Small business owners can feel well.
Research has shown that small business owners have difficulty finding time for a vacation and a break from their work. The coronavirus pandemic, which has impacted 82% of small business owners, has added stress.
What is the first aid for mental health?
Mental health first aids need to be able to listen well. You will learn to listen without judgment and treat the other person with empathy and understanding.
Other essential qualities include:
- Resilience
- Respectfully
- Courage
- Approachable
- humble
- open-minded
Stress management tips
This video is part of the Better for Business campaign. Dr. Hazel Harrison explains her practical tips for small-business owners and self-employed to manage stress.
