{"id":722,"date":"2021-02-19T08:00:57","date_gmt":"2021-02-19T08:00:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/test.humansofcode.org\/?p=722"},"modified":"2025-02-10T03:05:27","modified_gmt":"2025-02-10T03:05:27","slug":"what-is-first-aid-for-mental-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/humansofcode.org\/es\/wellbeing\/what-is-first-aid-for-mental-health\/","title":{"rendered":"What is First Aid for Mental Health?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mental Health First Aid is something I hadn\u2019t heard of until a couple of years ago, but when I did, it made perfect sense. I\u2019d been around plenty of people who had needed that metaphorical sticking plaster for their mind until such times as they could seek professional help, but I hadn\u2019t considered there was a name for this kind of help.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As soon as I found out this was an actual, real thing, I knew I had to train to become a Mental Health First Aider. I can\u2019t think of many things in life that I\u2019ve immediately known I <\/span>had<\/span><\/i> to do. I knew from experience that I could help people in crisis, and I wanted to formalise that skill and learn if there was anything more I could be doing.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As is so frequently the case, people who have experienced their own mental health issues often want to reach out to help others who are struggling with their own mental ill-health. However, the perceived stigma surrounding mental health leaves people feeling unable to seek help when they need it. People end up fearing being judged and discriminated against. And not just by others, but by ourselves too. We <\/span>do<\/span><\/i> after all, tend to be our own worst critics. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

But it\u2019s something that we <\/span>all<\/span><\/i> have. It\u2019s like physical health. It can be excellent, or it can be horrendous. Or it can be anywhere in between.  Be it good or bad, we\u2019re stuck with it.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Opening up about your own mental health isn\u2019t for everyone, and nobody should ever feel forced to do so. However, from personal experience, I found it incredibly empowering. Every time someone speaks openly about their mental wellbeing, they make it a little easier for the next person to speak out and seek help for theirs.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today I want to talk to you about the role of a Mental Health First Aider (MHFA). Many people still don\u2019t know such a thing exists, or if they do, they don\u2019t know what exactly we can do for them. So here\u2019s a bit about us, and how we can help you.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just like physical First Aiders, MHFAs have to attend a training course and are assessed in order to gain certification. This is the FAA (First Aid Awards) Level 3 Award in Supervising First Aid for Mental Health (RQF) \/ SCQF Level 6 Award for Leading First Aid for Mental Health.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The aims of First Aid for Mental Health are to:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n