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Mental Health Awareness Week 2016 is all about relationships. Strong social networks are key to our mental wellbeing, from family and friends to colleagues and neighbours. This week we thank the people who support us and reach out to those who we can help, even if it’s just by listening and reassuring. In recognition, we asked our community of Mental Health First Aiders: "How do you relate to others about mental health?"
Although my counsellor training covered dealing with clients and their issues, it was the Mental Health First Aid course which really bought home in a very practical and gentle way how to talk about suicide, the questions to ask and how to reach out.
Because of this, my clients find that I am not too scared to talk about any difficult issues, and I use the same technique now for talking about self-harm as well as discussing suicidal thoughts or plans.
Becoming a Mental Health First Aider has really helped me to identify, understand and help a person who may be developing a mental health issue. In the same way as we learn physical first aid, mental health first aid taught me how to recognise symptoms that are crucial warning signs of mental ill health.
Mental ill health can affect every single one of us at any time of our lives. There is widespread ignorance of mental ill health in the general population and there is the associated stigma too. For some the stigma can lead to delays in people seeking help and support. There is also a lack of confidence in what to do if someone is distressed or in a crisis situation. Being able to recognise signs and symptoms more readily can save someone’s life and equipped with this training I am more aware of the services available to those who are struggling and I can signpost them to get support.
The important thing is to learn how to actively listen without judgement, and to explore how people feel about their mental health and other behavioural issues. If anything, it has made me much more patient with people.
I have never had a problem talking about problems, as they form an integral part of my professional life. The MHFA course has made me more aware that often a solution to such problems is not always what is sought. People just need someone to listen to them.
Get involved with Mental Health Awareness Week and download your free resources at mentalhealth.org.uk