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In honour of Time to Talk Day on 4th February, we have asked our community of Mental Health First Aiders for their view on how talking can help when it comes to our mental health. Two of the key skills taught on an MHFA course is how to listen non-judgementally and give reassurance, so read on to find out how MHFAiders have used their skills to help themselves and others.
“I have been a first aider for almost 20 years. When I first did my training, I thought that first aid was ‘just’ caring for the injured and helping an injured person get further medical assistance. Over the years, I have helped hundreds of injured people who have been in bad accidents. More recently, I have been first on scene at what started out as a call for first aid but rapidly turned out to be a mental health crisis. I was able to use my Mental Health First Aid and ASIST skills to help the person and liaise with the police and paramedics, who took him to a place of safety.
I would strongly recommend all first aiders and paramedics to do MHFA as we are often the first on scene. It is so important to build up trust and rapport with people and show empathy. This is particularly important when you encounter a vulnerable adult who has acute mental health issues or somebody who has taken drugs and alcohol with the intention of ending their life.
I did my MHFA training with Durham Mind. Their trainers are excellent and they made extremely intense courses both relaxed and enjoyable. We were able to do group activities, role plays and learn from each other’s experience and expertise. My lasting memory of the courses was watching and listening to Charles, one of the trainers. I was deeply moved by his empathy and his care for people with mental ill health. He was able to bring his experience as a mental health professional and share his insight. Both Charles and Emma were also very sensitive to the nature of the course and provided a safe environment.
I have had a passion for mental health issues since walking into university with one of my closest friends during April 1991. I was very concerned that my friend was acting very much out of character and was getting higher and higher by the minute. I knew my friend well enough to know he was not on any illegal drugs and was sure that he had been OK when I saw him before the Easter vacation. Just after I left him, he went into an exam (30 minutes late!), left after 5 minutes and was then restrained from injuring himself. I then regularly visited him in a secure lock up and helped support his family. I strongly suspected that my friend had his first manic episode and will always regret that I didn’t stay with him for an extra few minutes.
I am part of a local Anglican church which serves a very diverse and deprived parish. Many of our congregation are vulnerable adults and some have long standing mental health issues (schizophrenia, bipolar, depression etc.) as well as autism spectrum disorders. I believe it is extremely important for church ministers, pastoral workers and welcome teams to be aware of mental health issues and what to do in the event of mental health emergencies.
We do our best to provide a safe place for our congregation and to be as inclusive as possible. I have helped support people who have been extremely distressed and confused, acting out of touch with reality. After spending time with them, listening non-judgementally and allowing the person time and space, I have unravelled a set of complex issues involving safeguarding, mental ill health and capacity. MHFA has helped me to help and support others. The course is very informative, relaxed and gives a very good insight into mental health emergencies and how to perform ALGEE, CPR and help care for people in a broken world.”