Sarah is a qualified MHFA instructor and Training Coordinator at The Link CIC. Here, she shares her experience of training to be an instructor. Sarah’s initial concerns highlight how crucial it is for employers to take steps against mental health stigma in their workplace. Sarah’s employer reacted positively to her disclosure, and she is now responsible for training up staff at The Link in therapeutic tools to meet the needs of the children and young people in their service.
As someone with PTSD, anxiety and depression, and a vast family history of mental health issues, the thought of undergoing the Mental Health First Aid instructor training at the request of my employer was daunting to say the least.
Filling out the application form to become an instructor, answering questions about my own experiences of mental health was something I had never disclosed outside of the safety of my GP’s office. I felt sick at the thought of my employer reading the application form and judging my history. What if they would be worried about my ability to complete my job? Would I be fired? Would I be taken in for a disciplinary hearing for not disclosing? Would everyone at work find out? Would people see me in a different light? I thought about calling in sick, cancelling my place on the course, asking someone else to take my place, anything in my power so I wouldn’t have to admit my history to other people.
And then I completed the course…
MHFA is the most destigmatising course I could imagine, dealing with the issue head on with exercises, discussions and information. Giving me a safe and secure environment to speak openly and frankly about mental health, something I never had the opportunity to do… and it felt great! Like a weight had been lifted! It gave me the tools and knowledge to not only help myself but to help others who were experiencing difficulties. I can honestly say it really works!
The more courses I delivered the more important I believe MHFA to be. As an instructor, I truly feel I have made a real impact on people’s lives. One particular proud moment was a delegate who, halfway through the course, felt like they now could now go and seek professional help with a mental health issue they had been hiding from friends and family for a long time. Using the tools I learnt, and now teach to people, we were able to get the delegate on the road to recovery. Personal disclosures are often made during the delivery of a course and the ability to help and truly make a difference is a feeling that nothing can come close to.
In all, I would just like to say a massive thank you to MHFA for the opportunity to help other people, the way my instructors helped me and if you get the opportunity to attend the course, DO IT!