.....My Mental Health First Aid certificate!
As someone who has struggled with their own mental health in the past, I understand the importance of receiving proper support and guidance when going through a difficult time. This is why I recently decided to volunteer for the role of a Mental Health First Aider within my company.
Mental Health First Aid courses are designed to teach individuals how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness or distress. The courses cover a wide range of topics, including anxiety, depression, suicide, and psychosis. They are open to anyone who is interested in learning more about mental health and how to support those who may be struggling.
The course I took was an intensive two-day training program that is run by a qualified instructor. As a group of individuals we were incredibly lucky as our instructor was incredibly knowledgeable and informative from her decades working with clients. The first day focused on mental health awareness and covered topics such as the signs and symptoms of different mental illnesses, the impact of stigma and discrimination, and how to provide basic support to someone in distress. The second day is more in-depth and covers specific mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and suicide.
By completing this course, I will be able to provide immediate support to someone who is experiencing a mental health crisis or struggling with their mental health. This could include listening to their concerns, providing reassurance and encouragement, and helping them access appropriate resources and services.
I believe that completing this course will not only benefit me personally, but also enable me to make a positive impact in my community. Mental health issues are unfortunately common, and many people do not receive the support they need. By completing this course, I will be able to offer assistance to those who may be struggling and help break down the stigma surrounding mental illness.
In addition to the practical skills I learnt during the course, I also believe that my personal experiences with mental health will enable me to bring a unique perspective to the role of Mental Health First Aider, specifically around topics that are not covered by the course. I understand the challenges that can come with seeking help for mental health issues and can empathise with those who are struggling. I also understand the importance of creating a safe and non-judgmental space for those who need support.
Overall, I am excited to be taking this step in becoming a Mental Health First Aider. I believe that this course will not only enable me to provide valuable support to those in need but also help to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness. Mental health is a crucial issue that affects us all, and I am proud to be doing my part in promoting mental well-being and supporting those who are struggling.
You may have seen my blog post from a couple of weeks back which discusses how going through IVF, Infertility and Baby loss can have a profound effect on our mental health and wellbeing. It is my experience in this space and my long standing history of managing severe Seasonal Affective Disorder amongst other periods in my life and personal experiences with others that leads me to have a good understanding and be empathetic when it comes to peoples mental health.