Mental Health First Aid: Training In Lifesaving Gestures

Like first aid, mental health first aid can save lives. It is possible for companies to train their employees in these practices. First aiders will thus be able to help and support employees in psychological distress. 

Mental Health At Work Is A Strategic Issue For Companies. 

Mental health disorders concern everyone today, including in the professional sphere. 

The Mental Health Of Employees Continues To Deteriorate.

Psychological well-being is a subject that organizations are increasingly concerned about. Indeed, the psychological health of American workers is worrying. Many reasons can explain this suffering: the two and a half years of the pandemic and its consequences, uncertainty about the future, neglected quality of life and working conditions, etc. 

Companies Can Do Better For Psychological Health. 

The confidence of the Americans is, therefore, far from being in good shape. For their part, organizations are not yet sufficiently equipped to support employees in distress. Only a quarter of workers surveyed believe that their company has taken concrete measures for mental health in the workplace. 

It is urgent for societies to fully grasp the issue, to prevent, to support, but also to raise awareness in order to avoid prejudices in the face of mental illness. They cannot ignore psychological health, just as they must identify psychosocial risks and preserve the physical health of their employees.

Why Should Mental Well-Being Not Be Overlooked? 

Failure to implement a mental health policy can have repercussions on a company's performance: an increase in absenteeism, an increase in sick leave, high turnover, an anxiety-provoking environment, loss of turnover, and a negative image conveyed. The consequences are numerous. 

First Aid in Mental Health, The Importance Of Training Employees

With First Aid in Mental Health, companies can train first-aid workers.

What is Mental Health First Aid? 

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is similar to First Aid, but Mental Health First Aid helps on a physical level. This type of teaching was created in Australia in 2000 under the name of Mental Health First Aid.

First Aid in Mental Health: How to Become a First Aider? 

The program is based on the pooling of knowledge from a large panel of experts: users of psychiatry, health professionals, and researchers.

First aid training lasts 14 hours, which can take place over two consecutive days, two non-consecutive days (over a fortnight), or four half-days (spread over a maximum of 1 month).

An Approach to Be Implemented In Establishments

Companies can involve in Mental Health First Aid through three actions.

First of all, the setting up of first aid training internally within the organization. This can be financed as part of professional training and can also be part of the skills development plan carried out by the employer.

In addition, companies can invest more in training employees who can then train first aiders throughout the company.

Finally, the organizations can contribute to the financing of the activities and to the distribution of the program in their networks.

Dr. Wendy M. O'Connor is a Certified Professional Life Coach in Los Angeles. Visit The Traffic Light Center website to book your session and get the best out of yourself.