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Why mhfa? 1 in 4 people will experience some form of mental health problem in any one year. Throughout the course of any persons lifetime it is highly likely that they will either develop a mental health problem themselves or have close contact with someone who does. As there is stigma associated with mental ill health people may feel unable to talk about and seek help for any symptoms they are experiencing. By attending the mental health first aid programme, delegates gain more of an understanding and acquire skills to respond in a positive way towards mental ill health. Through increasing knowledge and awareness of mental ill health, people will also be able to recognise their own problems and feel more comfortable about seeking assistance. In the workplace, this will enable employees to be appropriately supported and remain in mutually beneficial employment. Over the long term this will increase skills retention and employee wellbeing.  "Stress, anxiety and depression accounted for a third of the 168 million working days lost in the UK for health and related reasons in 2004, translating to a cost of sickness absence of about £4.1 billion." * Of course it is important to recognise that mental health first aid training does not teach people to be therapists. It does however teach people to recognise the symptoms of common mental health problems, how to provide initial support, and how to signpost someone towards appropriate professional help. By normalising common mental health problems, stigma and prejudice can be reduced. Consequently people will feel more able to talk about mental health. This can only lead to more productive and fulfilling lives and of course, careers. *Confederation of British Industry 2005 |
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