COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the Provide Mental Health First Aid course, specifically designed for professionals and support workers operating in the Mental Health, Aged Care, Childcare and Disability Support sectors. As individuals in these critical fields, you are in a unique position to recognise and address mental health issues in the people you support.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a set of skills and knowledge that enables you to provide immediate assistance to individuals experiencing mental health problems, just as traditional first aid helps those with physical injuries. Throughout this course, you will explore the essential principles of mental health support and how to apply them effectively in your role.
Understanding the distinction between mental health and mental illness is key to providing effective support. In this section, you will learn to differentiate between the two, addressing common myths and misconceptions about mental health. By recognising that mental health exists on a spectrum, from well-being to illness, you will gain insight into how to support individuals at different stages of their mental health journey.
Recognising the early signs and symptoms of mental health issues can significantly improve outcomes for those in your care. You will be equipped to identify the physical, emotional, and behavioural indicators of common mental health conditions, ensuring that early intervention is possible and support is provided in a timely manner.
The Mental Health First Aid Action Plan (ALGEE) is a practical and structured approach for offering support. This framework covers five steps: Approach, Listen, Give Support, Encourage Professional Help, and Encourage Other Supports. Each component will guide you through the process of helping individuals in crisis and those developing mental health challenges, ensuring that your support is compassionate, informed, and actionable.
Supporting individuals with depression is a common aspect of mental health first aid. In this section, you will learn how to recognise the signs of depression, approach individuals experiencing this condition, and encourage them to seek professional help and practice self-care.
Responding to anxiety disorders, including panic attacks, is another critical skill covered in this course. You will learn how to provide immediate support during anxiety episodes, as well as develop strategies for helping individuals manage anxiety in the long term.
Understanding and responding to psychosis is crucial for those working in the support sector. This section will equip you with the skills to recognise symptoms of psychotic episodes and provide immediate and ongoing support to individuals experiencing hallucinations or delusions.
Substance use disorders often co-exist with mental health issues. You will learn to identify signs of substance abuse and dependency, manage crises such as overdose or withdrawal, and provide guidance on long-term recovery support.
In the event of a mental health crisis, including suicidal behaviour or self-harm, it is vital to act swiftly and effectively. You will learn how to recognise these emergencies, manage immediate risks, and collaborate with emergency services to ensure the individual’s safety.
Supporting individuals at risk of suicide is one of the most sensitive aspects of mental health first aid. You will be trained to recognise signs of suicidal thoughts, ask difficult but necessary questions, and provide immediate and ongoing support to prevent harm.
For individuals who engage in self-harm, understanding why they do so and how to respond appropriately is key. You will explore de-escalation strategies and learn how to encourage long-term professional help for self-harm.
Managing confidentiality and boundaries is crucial in your role as a mental health first aider. This section will guide you on when confidentiality applies, how to set boundaries to protect both yourself and the individual, and when to escalate the situation to professionals for further intervention.
Supporting young people with mental health challenges requires a tailored approach. You will learn to recognise mental health issues in adolescents and young adults, develop effective communication strategies, and ensure that professional help is encouraged when necessary.
Reviewing and evaluating your mental health first aid approach is essential for continuous improvement. This section will help you reflect on your interventions, gather feedback from individuals and peers, and refine your MHFA skills over time.
Lastly, the course addresses the legal and ethical considerations involved in providing mental health first aid. You will explore your legal responsibilities, confidentiality obligations, and the ethical implications of offering support in various contexts.
By the end of this course, you will have developed the confidence, knowledge, and skills to provide mental health first aid in your workplace or community, ensuring that individuals in crisis or those with ongoing mental health concerns receive the appropriate support they need.
Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:
1. Introduction to Mental Health First Aid
- Definition of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
- Importance of MHFA in the Workplace and Community
- Key Principles of Mental Health Support
2. Understanding Mental Health and Mental Illness
- Differentiating Between Mental Health and Mental Illness
- Common Myths and Misconceptions about Mental Health
- The Spectrum of Mental Health: From Well-Being to Illness
3. Recognising the Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health Issues
- Early Warning Signs of Common Mental Health Conditions
- Physical, Emotional, and Behavioural Indicators
- Importance of Early Intervention in Mental Health
4. The Mental Health First Aid Action Plan (ALGEE)
- Overview of ALGEE
- A: Approach, Assess, and Assist with Any Crisis
- L: Listen Non-Judgmentally
- G: Give Support and Information
- E: Encourage Appropriate Professional Help
- E: Encourage Other Supports
5. Supporting Individuals with Depression
- Recognising the Signs of Depression
- How to Approach and Offer Support for Depression
- Encouraging Professional Help and Self-Care
6. Responding to Anxiety Disorders
- Identifying Symptoms of Generalised Anxiety and Panic Attacks
- Providing Immediate Support for Anxiety and Panic
- Long-Term Support Strategies for Anxiety Sufferers
7. Understanding and Responding to Psychosis
- Recognising Symptoms of Psychotic Episodes
- Immediate Actions for Supporting Someone in a Psychotic Crisis
- Encouraging Ongoing Support and Professional Help
8. Providing First Aid for Substance Use Disorders
- Identifying Signs of Substance Abuse and Dependency
- Addressing Crises Related to Overdose or Withdrawal
- Providing Support for Long-Term Recovery
9. Responding to a Mental Health Crisis
- Recognising a Mental Health Emergency
- Managing Immediate Risk and Ensuring Safety
- Collaborating with Emergency Services
10. Supporting Individuals at Risk of Suicide
- Recognising Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviours
- How to Ask About Suicide and Respond Effectively
- Ensuring Immediate and Ongoing Safety and Support
11. Providing Support for Self-Harm
- Understanding Self-Harm and Why It Occurs
- Offering Immediate Support and De-Escalation Strategies
- Encouraging Professional and Long-Term Help for Self-Harm
12. Managing Confidentiality and Boundaries in Mental Health First Aid
- Understanding the Limits of Confidentiality
- Setting Boundaries to Protect Both the First Aider and the Individual
- When and How to Escalate the Situation to Professionals
13. Supporting Young People with Mental Health Challenges
- Recognising Mental Health Issues in Adolescents and Young Adults
- Special Considerations for Approaching Young People
- Encouraging Open Communication and Professional Help
14. Reviewing and Evaluating Mental Health First Aid Approaches
- Reflecting on the Effectiveness of MHFA Interventions
- Gathering Feedback from Individuals and Peers
- Continuously Improving Your Mental Health First Aid Skills
15. Legal and Ethical Considerations in Mental Health First Aid
· Legal Considerations in Mental Health First Aid
· Ethical Considerations in Mental Health First Aid
COURSE DURATION:
The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.
COURSE DELIVERY:
Purchase and download course content.
ASSESSMENT:
A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.
CERTIFICATION:
Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.