Mental Health First Aid
Would you ask a first aider to treat a serious injury? No, you'd get the victim to a doctor.
No one excepts a mental health first aider to treat a serious mental health issues. Primarily they're there to seek out the signs, raise the issue, and help people find the right support. There are other benefits too, like reducing the stigma around discussing mental health.
From the
HSE study cited:
There is a lack of published occupationally‐based studies, and the studies that have been conducted are limited in quality.
- So there's not enough evidence to draw the conclusion that MHFA programmes probably don't work.
There is consistent evidence that MHFA training raises employees’ awareness of mental ill‐health
conditions, including signs and symptoms. Those trained have a better understanding of where to find information and professional support, and are more confident in helping individuals experiencing mental ill‐health or a crisis.
- So there is evidence of positive outcomes of MHFA
There is no evidence from the published evaluation studies that the introduction of MHFA
training in workplaces has resulted in sustained actions by those receiving the training or that it
has improved the management of mental health in the workplace.
There is limited evidence that the content of MHFA training has been considered for workplace
settings.
- So we can probably agree that there needs to be research into this area, and there should be a particular focus on the New Zealand context. Our culture, and needs would be different from those in the UK.