MHFA
Mental health first aid (MHFA) is the help provided to a person who is developing a mental health problem, or who is in a mental health crisis, until appropriate professional treatment is received or the crisis resolves. MHFA strategies are taught in evidence-based training programs authored by the Mental Health First Aid Australia and conducted by accredited MHFA Instructors.
Mental Health First Aid is a national non profit training and research program developed in 2001 by Betty Kitchener OAM and Professor Tony Jorm. MHFA currently operates under the auspices of Orygen Youth Health Research Centre, University of Melbourne, Australia.
The outcomes
MHFA Training can provide members of the community with:
- skills in how to recognise the signs and symptoms of mental health problems;
- knowledge of the possible causes or risk factors for these mental health problems;
- awareness of the evidenced based medical, psychological and alternative treatments available;
- skills in how to give appropriate initial help and support someone experiencing a mental health problem;
- skills in how to take appropriate action if a crisis situation arises involving suicidal behaviour, panic attack, stress reaction to trauma, overdose or threatening psychotic behaviour.
Who attends the training?
MHFA training is open to all members of the community, so the short answer is, everyone!
It is recommended that MHFA training becomes a prerequisite for all employed in human services. This includes police officers, prison officers, high school teachers, TAFE and university lecturers, social and welfare workers, youth workers, Aboriginal health workers, nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, lawyers, dieticians, physiotherapists, chiropractors, security officers, rehabilitation counsellors and anyone in a team leader/management role.
The training
The standard MHFA course teaches members of the public how to assist someone who is developing a mental health problem or in a mental health crisis.
Developing mental health problems covered:
- depression
- anxiety
- psychosis
- substance misuse
- suicidal thoughts and behaviours
Mental health crises covered:
- non-suicidal self-injury
- panic attacks
- traumatic events
- severe psychotic states
- acute effects from alcohol or other drug misuse
- aggressive behaviours
Participants will learn the signs and symptoms of these mental health problems, where and how to get help and what sort of help is required.
